Poultry production in Bonasika Creek expanded through black giant chicken programme – Mustapha

Over 63,000 black giant chickens have been distributed across the country in a bid to expand poultry production, according to Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha.
The mining was at the time addressing residents of Bonasika Creek, Essequibo River of which 300 have benefitted from the Black Giant Chicken programme.
The distribution forms part of a concerted effort by the Guyana Government to expand the local poultry sector by introducing a resilient breed of chicken, and the black giant chickens provide a sustainable source of high-quality protein.

Additionally, it is a sizable dual-purpose bird that can produce up to 200 eggs annually and roughly 4.5 kilograms of meat.
These birds can graze, forage, consume leftover food from the kitchen, and still produce respectably, making it a low-maintenance breed.
The distribution of this particular chicken started in Bonasika Creek in late 2022 and has since expanded allowing residents to generate a steady income.
Further, residents who are not rearing the black giant chickens have been able to benefit by participating in income-generating activities such as providing transportation, feeding supplies, and engaging in processing.
Mustapha reiterated that the government is committed to further developing poultry in the area.

“This area is very important; we have expended a lot of budgetary sums and we will continue to support the farmers, we will work with you, and we will ensure that we provide the necessary facility, building the necessary infrastructure so that you can produce. Because when you produce, Guyana will be able to satisfy the demands not only locally but regionally.”

In addition, the residents will also continue to benefit from proper drainage and irrigation to aid in the expansion of crop production and cultivation.
Mustapha said the government is looking to improve and increase the production of ginger, banana, bell pepper, broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, and varieties of carrots in the community, and as a result, over 1000 rods of drainage have been prepared free of cost for the farmers.
He added that the distribution of planting materials and agricultural inputs will also continue throughout the year.
“We are not only doing crop production or traditional crops like what we use to produce for centuries… but we are increasing production in those areas and at the same time we are going into production of new crops. Now we are producing corn and soy and by next year we will be self-sufficient in producing all our needs… These are the innovations that we are bringing to the sector, these are the kinds of developments we are bringing,” the Minister disclosed.
Bonasika Creek is divided into two sections, Lower and Upper, and it is a branch in the Essequibo River that has 365 islands, some uninhabited, with the largest being Hogg Island.