Looking forward to unprecedented take-off of shrimp industry 

Dear Editor,
This is really a big project to look forward to. I am talking about the plans afoot for the Government, via the Agriculture Ministry, to invest some $58M to improve shrimp production in Region Six.
Shrimp business, as we know, is quite feasible, and I think that to make an input therein is most wise. We know that shrimp has a variety of health benefits. It is high in several vitamins and minerals, and is a rich source of protein. Eating shrimp may also promote heart and brain health, due to its content of omega-3 fatty acids and the antioxidant astaxanthin.
Shrimp, in many places, is the most important internationally traded fishery commodity in terms of value. In many tropical developing countries, it is the most valuable fishery export; the employment aspect is also significant. So, from both a health and financial outlook, the shrimp industry is destined to be profitable, and Guyana must maximise.
I remind readers that, true to promise, this investment goes back to March this year, when Agriculture Minister Mustapha held a session with fisher folk and shrimp farmers at the Albion Sports Complex, Corentyne, Berbice. On that occasion, he had stated that “…as part of President Irfaan Ali’s master plan for aquaculture, the necessary investments would be made to boost the industry.” Therefore, it is like from ‘word of promise’ to actual implementation.
The idea here is to utilise the $58M towards enhancing and developing shrimp ponds throughout the Region, as a means of increasing the annual production to 500,000 kilos by year-end. Shrimp production currently stands at between 150,000 kg and 200,000 kg annually. This will be the day indeed. I am sure many shrimp lovers are salivating as, even locally, on a good day, shrimp is not the most affordable of sea products.
The Minister summed it up well, stating, “We are doing this not only to increase your livelihood in terms of income, but we are doing this to increase the capacity of the shrimp production in Region Six; and at the same time, you will also create employment for people.”

Yours truly,
Baldeo Mathura