NAREI partners with Lethem farmer to produce 250,000 lbs of onions 

The National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) has partnered with farmer Christopher Moses to cultivate five acres of onions in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), in an effort to increase local food production.
Early estimates indicate that the acreage could yield approximately 250,000 pounds (lbs) of onions, with harvesting expected around mid-April. The projection exceeds initial expectations for onion output from Regions Nine and Eight for this year.

President Dr Irfaan Ali only last week announced that the Government, through the Agriculture Ministry, will work closely with farmers in the two hinterland regions to boost production in 2026. He said the regions are expected to play a major role in expanding both traditional and non-traditional crops.
The initiative is part of a national strategy to strengthen food security and reduce reliance on imports. The Agriculture Ministry, in collaboration with the Guyana Marketing Corporation, has set production targets for the two regions, including 500,000 lbs of citrus, one million lbs of carrots, 200,000 lbs of peanuts, 50,000 lbs of onions and significant quantities of beef, mutton and other produce.
Dr Ali had said these investments are aimed at creating a production system linked to transport and logistics networks. “This is what we’re doing – making real investment to bring real wealth into the communities. It would lead to greater self-reliance on our production system,” he stated.
Infrastructure development is being advanced to support the agricultural push. During the commissioning of the upgraded 2500-foot concrete runway at Lethem earlier this month, the President emphasised the importance of Region Nine to the national transformation agenda and outlined plans for a modern airport and additional airstrips across the hinterland.
Amerindian Affairs Minister Sarah Brown-Shadeek said the rehabilitation of the Aishalton Airstrip will improve access to markets for farmers and businesses in the Deep South Rupununi. She described the facility as a corridor for commerce that will strengthen links between the coast and hinterland communities.
The onion project in Lethem is expected to contribute to these wider efforts by increasing the availability of locally grown produce and creating new income opportunities for farmers in the region.