Hydroponics & future of agriculture in Guyana

Guyana’s agricultural sector is undergoing a transformative phase, one that signals a decisive shift toward modernity, efficiency, and regional competitiveness. Recent remarks by President Dr Irfaan Ali, praising local farmers for embracing crop diversification and technology-driven farming, underscore a national agenda that prioritizes innovation as a cornerstone of food security and economic growth. The trajectory being set is not merely about increasing yields; it is about redefining the country’s agricultural identity and positioning Guyana as a leader in the Caribbean’s agribusiness landscape.
At the heart of this transformation lies hydroponics, the soil-free cultivation of plants in nutrient-enriched water. Once considered a niche technology, hydroponics is now emerging as a viable, large-scale solution for high-value crops such as lettuce, pak choi, and a variety of culinary herbs. This cultivation method eliminates the need for traditional fertilisers and chemical pesticides, allowing crops to grow in a controlled environment that ensures consistency, quality, and organic integrity. By harnessing such techniques, farmers are able to optimise resources, increase yields, and reduce the environmental footprint of conventional farming practices.
The National Agricultural and Research Extension Institute (NAREI), in partnership with Victoria Greens, has played a pivotal role in operationalising hydroponics at a commercial scale. The facility, integrated with the government’s Agriculture Innovative and Entrepreneurship Programme (AIEP), boasts a production capacity of 100,000 crops per cycle. Beyond the sheer scale, its output is directed toward high-demand markets, including hotels and restaurants in Guyana and, prospectively, across the Caribbean. The facility exemplifies how technology and entrepreneurship can converge to create a model that is both economically viable and socially beneficial.
Hydroponics a technological curiosity that represents a strategic response to pressing challenges in food security. CARICOM’s “25 by 2025” initiative, which aims to reduce the region’s US$5 billion annual food import bill by 25 percent within the next year, provides the context for this shift. Guyana’s embrace of modern farming technologies positions it as a catalyst within this regional framework. By producing high-quality crops locally, the country can not only satisfy domestic demand but also become a supplier for neighbouring territories, reducing reliance on imported produce and keeping economic value within the region.
The advantages of hydroponics extend beyond market access. Controlled environments mitigate the risks of pests and disease, ensuring a stable supply of crops year-round. Nutrient film techniques and other innovations allow precise control over growth conditions, optimising water usage and reducing waste. Such practices demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to agriculture, one that aligns with global trends in sustainability while responding to local realities. In a country where agricultural productivity has historically been vulnerable to climatic fluctuations and market instability, these innovations offer a measure of resilience that is crucial for long-term planning.
President Ali’s emphasis on technology-driven agriculture reflects a broader vision: an agricultural sector that is competitive, self-sufficient, and integrated into the wider Caribbean economy. The hydroponics initiative, along with complementary ventures in aquaculture and crop diversification, signals an understanding that the future of farming is knowledge-intensive and innovation-led. Encouraging farmers to adopt smart farming techniques, including hydroponics, not only increases efficiency but also creates new economic opportunities, particularly for young entrepreneurs and agripreneurs looking to enter the sector with modern skillsets.
This paradigm shift has implications for policy, investment, and education. Government support, private sector engagement, and research collaboration are essential to scaling these initiatives. Training programmes that build technical expertise, coupled with infrastructure investments, will be critical in ensuring that hydroponics and other smart farming solutions move from pilot projects to mainstream agricultural practice. The potential rewards, enhanced food security, reduced imports, and regional leadership—justify sustained commitment and strategic planning.
Guyana’s agricultural landscape is poised for a renaissance. The embrace of hydroponics and other modern techniques is a reimagining of the sector itself.