Modernisation of agri-sector requires increased collaboration

As Government works towards decreasing the Caribbean Community’s (Caricom’s) food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025, increased partnership between the public and private sectors, international entities and farmers is continuously needed.
In advancing this call, the Agriculture Ministry, in collaboration with several members of the private sector, on Tuesday hosted an agriculture symposium to foster open dialogue among key stakeholders as the country looks to enhance the agriculture sector.

Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (GCCI’s) Agriculture Committee Chairman Brian Edwards explained that the aim of this one-day engagement was to strategise ways to develop a resilient agriculture system that ensures food security and economic prosperity for the country’s hard-working farmers.
“It is our objective to strengthen partnerships and collaboration among market factors (in order) to build a resilient agriculture market system; provide a platform for farmers to voice their challenges; and craft dynamic solutions that address these problems, whether it is accessing innovation, inputs, finance, or Government support,” Edwards has said. “Thirdly, (the intent is) to empower farmers with the knowledge and skills they need to adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving agricultural landscape,” Edwards added.
Edwards has also urged farmers to embrace new opportunities as they navigate the challenges of this dynamic industry with confidence. In one such opportunity, the World University Service of Canada (WUSC), in 2021, began implementing the CAD$20 million Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean (SAC) project, which is funded by the Government of Canada. This project sought to train over 12,000 farmers from marginalised groups in the Caribbean on climate-smart and sustainable practices in the agriculture sector.
Global Affairs Canada Representative Adam Loyer noted that this project represents Canada’s continuous support for the economic prosperity and leadership of women in Guyana’s agricultural markets. Further, he expressed that embracing innovation is essential for resilient, modern agricultural production.
“In a world where technology and sustainable practices are constantly evolving, embracing innovation is essential for modern, resilient agricultural production. By adopting cutting edge techniques from precision agriculture and climate-resistant crop varieties, farmers and other market factors can overcome challenges and seize new opportunities,” Loyer has said.
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha echoed this need to modernise agricultural practices as he noted that Ministry’s continuous efforts to diversify the industry.
“A major part of the equation for reducing our food import bill and increasing production is to produce and sell these goods right here in our markets in the Caribbean. If we are talking about reducing importation by 25 per cent, then we will have markets for 25 per cent of what we’re producing,” Mustapha said.
“…as well as to develop new and innovative ways to grow, process, and distribute those products. Therefore, as we advance the agriculture sector into an expanded, diversified, resilient and competitive sector, it is important to pool our collective resources to create consortiums to take advantage of these opportunities in the agriculture sector and agro-processing industry in Guyana,” Mustapha has said.
Recognising the importance of both private and public investments in the sector, the Agriculture Minister has also noted Government’s efforts to redesign policies that ensure a favourable environment for such investments. (G13)