Guyana’s forward-thinking Genetic Improvement Programme

Dear Editor,
I write to commend the Ministry of Agriculture for the remarkable progress made under the Government’s Genetic Improvement Programme, recently described by Minister Zulfikar Mustapha as “a clear success”. This initiative represents not just a win for livestock farmers, but a forward-thinking vision for the future of agriculture in Guyana.
Too often, agricultural policy is reactive and focused on short-term relief and immediate outputs. The Genetic Improvement Programme, however, demonstrates strategic foresight. By investing in improved breeding lines, artificial insemination, embryo transfers, and livestock infrastructure, the Government is laying the genetic and institutional foundation for long-term productivity, resilience and food security.
It is particularly noteworthy that the animals showcased at the recent Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) Ruminant Expo were owned by farmers themselves not loaned from the State. This underscores that the programme is not creating dependency but building capacity and ownership among local producers. Farmers are now the custodians of advanced breeds and the drivers of innovation in the livestock sector.
Equally visionary are the supporting initiatives – the planned abattoir at Onverwagt, a new processing facility for small ruminants, a 5000-acre livestock training and support centre, and ongoing pasture development projects. Together, these investments ensure that improved genetics are matched with modern facilities, technical support, and market access.
Guyana’s collaboration with international partners, such as the Brazilian company developing a dairy farm in Ebini and the upcoming embryo transfer programme, further reflects an openness to global best practices and technology transfer. These partnerships place our agricultural system firmly within the framework of 21st-century innovation.
As Minister Mustapha rightly noted, the achievements displayed are proof of the resilience and evolution of Guyana’s livestock industry. This is not just about better breeds, it’s about a mindset shift. By prioritising genetics, infrastructure, and farmer empowerment, the Government is thinking ahead to a future where agriculture is competitive, sustainable, and globally relevant.
Guyana’s approach provides a blueprint for developing nations: invest in foundational assets, foster partnerships, and build systems that empower farmers to lead. It is heartening to see such forward-thinking leadership at the helm of our agricultural transformation.

Yours sincerely,
Fawaz Harry