Govt to continue partnerships to boost production, increase trade – Agri Minister

The Agriculture Ministry plans to improve and expand the services of the agencies within its purview with its $18 billion Budget 2020 allocation, and will align its programmes to assist all farmers, fisher-folk and value chain actors as they grapple with the economic downturn.

Subject Minister Zulfikar Mustapha made these disclosures during a virtual address on Thursday for the official launch of observances for Agriculture Month.
“The Government will provide opportunities for farmers and agro-processors to grow, process, and benefit from increased trade, both regionally and internationally. Our farmers will benefit from the removal of value-added tax from agricultural inputs and the granting of tax concessions on investment in agro-processing, cold storage and packaging facilities. The Ministry will provide the necessary aid needed by farmers to get from the farm to the market, to ensure adequate food is produced, and livelihoods maintained,” the Minister said.
The Ministry will also continue collaborations with its partners in the public and private sectors, international organisations, farmers organisations, and other actors to build a diversified and sustainable sector, even as it adopts innovative measures to secure Guyana’s food system.
In keeping with the COVID-19 emergency measures, the Ministry will host most of its observances for the month virtually. However, it will also meet small groups of stakeholders during the month.
This year’s observances are themed: “Investing in Agriculture for Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Development.”