Lethem, Toka farmers benefit from 1st mango shipment

…as more than 2000 lbs sold under Government-led initiative

Farmers in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) are generating income for their harvest after they successfully sold more than 2000 pounds (lbs) of mangoes to a local agro-processor in the early days of January 2026.
This is the first shipment under a new initiative led by the Government to strengthen food security while creating income opportunities for farmers in the hinterland.

A total of 2070 lbs of mangoes were sourced directly from Lethem and Toka village farmers, fulfilling a commitment made by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali.
Regional Chairwoman Vania Albert told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that as production expands, additional shipments will be made.
Additionally, effort is already being taken to coordinate future deliveries.
Albert noted that plans are in place to include other villages across the region so that more families can benefit from the initiative.
“Once they are producing these fruits, mangoes, they will be benefiting directly,” she assured.
“This will at least help our farmers in terms of their livelihoods and then help them to earn income when the day comes,” she said.
The Government-led initiative addresses a long-standing challenge faced by farmers in the hinterland, where produce often goes to waste due to limited and unreliable access to markets for perishable produce during peak seasons.
President Ali stated that the Government, via the Ministry of Agriculture, will help farmers find markets so they can earn an income to support their families by increasing agricultural production.
The Agriculture Ministry is already working with the Region Nine Regional Democratic Council and agro-processor to coordinate another shipment to ensure steady and reliable supplies throughout the mango season.
In July of 2025, during an engagement with South Rupununi communities in Aishalton Village, President Ali announced that the Government plans to create a National Food Hub in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), unlocking the region’s immense agricultural potential.
Region Nine is poised for massive development as the Government moves to further advance its agricultural sector through similar initiatives such as agro-processing, cold storage and transportation to access markets.