President Ali announces $2B fertilizer subsidy for farmers countrywide

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Wednesday announces a $2 billion fertilizer subsidy for farmers countrywide, doubling last year’s allocation.
The Head of State made this announcement at a presidential outreach at the Rice Producers Association (RPA) Bond in Anna Regina.

The initiative forms part of the government’s commitment to strengthening the agriculture sector, increasing productivity, and enhancing farmers’ livelihoods.
The President stated that between 2020 and 2024, the government’s investments have brought about significant improvements in key sectors.
He noted that the Agricultural productivity has risen from 5.5 tons to 6.1 tons per hectare, stating it’s a remarkable achievement driven by strategic policy interventions and the hard work of farmers.
These substantial investments, he added are set to directly support the agriculture sector, empowering farmers to maximize the use of their lands and significantly boost productivity.
“We are going to exceed what we did last year by doubling the farmers’ fertilizer subsidy to two billion dollars,” President Ali announced.
In addition to the subsidy, President Ali updated those present on the progress of the farm-to-market roads, a critical project for the region’s agricultural expansion. He noted that funds have been allocated to commence work on 50 per cent of these roads, with engineers already completing the cost assessments.
Specific allocations include 1.2 kilometres in Affiance, 1.4 kilometres in Bush Rock, 1.5 kilometres in Mariah’s Delight, 1.7 kilometres in Queenstown, and 3.6 kilometres in Dartmouth.
“This is about 12 kilometres of roads. Farm-to-market access roads that were raised. This is outside of the program. You raised this with him. Today, I can tell you that we are already putting aside money to start 50% of these roads so that we can get the work going to give you these farm-to-market access roads”.
“Before the end of the year, the engineers have already done the costing for all of these roads. We’re not sitting back because we want to invest in assets that will enhance productivity, and increase productivity. When we put these roads in, we want the farmers to go in and make use of the land and increase the productivity of the region,” he added.
Additionally, the president highlighted the progress made on the Sparta-Golden Fleece Road, with 3.4 kilometres completed to date. The road is expected to significantly benefit farmers and residents in the area, improving transportation and access.
Other infrastructure projects include the bridges linking C-1 and C-6, which will positively impact 1,000 acres of agricultural land. Construction on the main canal at Lima, Coffee Grove, Evergreen, and Reliance is progressing, with Reliance already awarded and the remaining projects set for completion in the next programme.
Residents were also told of other developmental projects completed and ongoing in the region aimed at creating employment opportunities and fostering economic growth. He also noted that these efforts are part of a larger plan to build a resilient and self-sustaining agricultural sector.
Also at the meeting, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting local farmers by ensuring they have the resources and opportunities needed to grow the agriculture sector.
This includes making significant investments in farm-to-market roads, storage facilities, and access to financial support, all designed to help farmers maximize productivity.
He further spoke of the ambitious target for 2025, where the nation aims to not only meet its own food production needs but to position itself as a net exporter of agricultural goods. This shift is expected to contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth, with savings projected to exceed US$30 million, which can be reinvested into further development. (Raywattie Deonarine)