Dear Editor,
Guyana’s agriculture sector has, since 2020, undergone remarkable transformation and growth, and has become a bedrock of the nation’s economic diversification strategy. With strategic investments, technological innovation, and climate-conscious practices, the country is positioning itself to be a regional leader in food production and agricultural sustainability.
We must recognize that agriculture remains a critical pillar of Guyana’s economy, employing a significant portion of the population, and contributing substantially to GDP. Government has, since 2020, implemented strategic plans to modernise the sector, enhance productivity, and boost exports. During the first half of the year 2024, the agriculture sector recorded a growth rate of 8.9%, demonstrating the efficacy of those initiatives.
Key drivers of this success include increased budgetary allocations, infrastructural development, and policy support to stimulate growth in rice, sugar, livestock, coconut, aquaculture, and other sectors. It must be noted that Government’s financial commitment to agriculture has grown significantly.
In 2024, the Ministry of Agriculture was allocated GY$97.6 billion, of which GY$28.9 billion was expended in the first half of the year alone. These funds have been directed to rehabilitating farmlands, upgrading drainage and irrigation systems, importing improved seed varieties, and employing research-driven technological integration.
Rice sector breaking records
Rice production has consistently been one of Guyana’s greatest agricultural achievements. In 2022, Guyana produced 610,000 tonnes of rice, and that amount was increased to 653,000 tonnes in 2023. The momentum continued in 2024 with production surpassing 710,000 tonnes, a historic milestone for the sector.
Government has supported the rice industry with initiatives like provision of high-yielding seed varieties, subsidies for fertilizers, and improved irrigation infrastructure. Export markets have been expanded, and rice has contributed significantly to foreign exchange earnings.
Efforts are also underway to introduce value-added products such as rice-based snacks and beverages, which could further increase the industry’s profitability.
Sugar industry in resilient comeback
The sugar industry, once in decline, has shown signs of revival. In 2023, sugar production increased by nearly 60% following years of targeted intervention. Estates such as Rose Hall, Albion, and Blairmont have been revitalized, and over 2,000 hectares of land have been converted to sugarcane cultivation.
To improve efficiency and output, a GY$60 million sugar dryer was installed in 2024, reducing post-harvest losses and ensuring consistent sugar quality for export. Despite challenges, the sector remains vital to Guyana’s cultural and economic identity, employing thousands of workers.
Coconut industry is a growing export opportunity
Guyana’s coconut industry is emerging as a significant contributor to the agricultural economy. Recognizing its potential, Government invested GY$60.7 million in the first half of 2024 to accelerate expansion.
Approximately 13,000 hybrid seed nuts were imported from Brazil to improve yields, while training programmes have been launched to educate farmers on best practices. Coconut oil and water exports have risen sharply, with markets in the Caribbean and North America expressing growing demand for Guyanese products.
Livestock modernising production
The livestock sector has grown steadily, recording an 11% increase in production in 2023. The introduction of the Embryo Transplant Programme in 2023 marked a turning point for the sector. Fifty successful transplants were conducted, and there are plans to scale-up this activity to 250 transplants by 2025.
Livestock farmers have also benefitted from subsidies for feed and veterinary services, as well as from training in modern husbandry techniques. The sector has been expanded to include goat and sheep farming for export, while beef production is being modernised to meet international sanitary standards.
Aquaculture
Aquaculture has emerged as a high-potential sector that is aligned with Guyana’s push for agricultural diversification. The establishment of shrimp and tilapia farms has contributed to a sharp rise in seafood exports. Programmes promoting sustainable practices have helped ensure the ecological balance of coastal and inland fisheries while providing new income opportunities for rural communities.
Infrastructure development
Drainage and irrigation infrastructure have been significantly upgraded to address the persistent threat of flooding.
New pump stations have been constructed in flood-prone regions such as Corentyne, while rehabilitation of canals and sluices has ensured year-round farming.
Additionally, climate-resilient farming techniques, including raised-bed farming and drought-resistant crops, are being promoted under the Government’s broader climate-smart agriculture initiative.
Climate-smart agriculture
Guyana is embracing climate-smart agriculture to boost productivity while mitigating environmental impacts. This approach aligns with the Caribbean’s regional goal of reducing the food import bill by 25% by 2025. Techniques such as agroforestry, rainwater harvesting, and integrated pest management are being implemented across the country.
In 2024, Government also launched a centralized “Situation Room,” which uses real-time data analytics to monitor agricultural activities and provide actionable insights to farmers. This innovation has enhanced decision-making and disaster preparedness within the sector.
Crop diversification
To reduce dependency on traditional crops, Government has introduced programmes that encourage farmers to diversify into high-value crops such as cassava, black-eye peas, and spices. These efforts are supported by international partnerships, such as technical assistance from Brazil and India to transfer knowledge and technology to Guyanese farmers.
Export growth and regional leadership
Guyana is strengthening its position as a food-exporting powerhouse in the Caribbean. Increased production of rice, sugar and coconuts has boosted exports to countries like Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Jamaica.
Additionally, Guyana has taken a leadership role in CARICOM’s regional food security efforts that aim to supply surplus produce to neighbouring states.
While the agriculture sector has seen tremendous progress, challenges remain. Climate change, fluctuating global commodity prices, and logistical constraints have posed hurdles. However, the Government’s proactive approach and the resilience of Guyanese farmers suggest that the sector is well-equipped to overcome these challenges.
It should be taken into consideration that, during the period 2020 to 2024, there has been a notable transformation of Guyana’s agriculture sector. From record-breaking rice production to revival of sugar estates and expansion of non-traditional crops, the sector has demonstrated resilience and growth.
This trajectory not only ensures food security for the nation, but also positions Guyana as a key player in regional and global agriculture markets. The Government is playing its part in ensuring the success of this sector.
Sincerely,
Marlon Cort
