New AIEP pepper jelly launched to boost youth agri-business

The Agriculture Ministry on Monday unveiled a new food product developed under its Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme (AIEP)—an initiative conceptualised by President Dr Irfaan Ali, which is designed to empower young agri-entrepreneurs and revolutionise Guyana’s agricultural sector.
Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha officially launched the much-anticipated AIEP Pepper Jelly at the Massy Mega Store, MovieTowne. During his address at the launching ceremony, the Agriculture Minister emphasised the importance of the new product. He also noted that since its inception, the AIEP programme has experienced significant growth and expansion.

“This initiative embodies the spirit of innovation, sustainability, and economic empowerment that we seek to cultivate within our nation. Since the launch of the AIEP by President Dr Irfaan Ali in 2022, this flagship initiative has been stimulating significant economic growth to the benefit of young agriculturists. The programme’s expansion is ongoing, yielding impressive results with the production of high-value crops such as broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, carrots, bell peppers, tomatoes, chili peppers, parsley, and celery,” the Minister noted.
The Minister added, “Let this launch be a symbol of what is possible when vision meets action…To our farmers and producers, your dedication ensures that our agriculture sectors are successful. Together, we are growing and creating a Guyana brand that will be recognised locally and regionally. As we launch this product here today, I said that this is the beginning of more to come from the AIEP farm or AIEP projects.”

Also speaking at the event was assistant Vice President of Massy Stores, Shalini Thakur-Jagdeo who praised the collaboration with AIEP as a meaningful contribution to Guyana’s national development goals.
“By featuring products from the AIEP, we’re helping to build a stronger, more food secure Guyana. This initiative is about more than products on the shelves. It’s about empowering young agri-entrepreneurs, promoting climate-smart farming, and contributing to the national goal of reducing the country’s food import bill by 25 per cent by 2030,” she stated.
Crafted using high-value crops grown with climate-smart agricultural practices, the AIEP Pepper Jelly represents a unique blend of taste, sustainability, and innovation. The product is the result of the dedication and vision of young agriculturists who are driving change in Guyana’s food production landscape.