Region 5 agricultural projects key to resilient, diversified food system – Agri Minister

Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha on Saturday visited several ongoing flagship agriculture projects in Region Five (Mahaica–Berbice) as part of the Government of Guyana’s continued efforts to advance food security, value-added production and agricultural modernisation. Minister Mustapha emphasised that, collectively, these projects represent an integrated approach to agricultural development, linking livestock, aquaculture, poultry and crop production to build a resilient, diversified food system.

A Ministry of Agriculture press release report noted that the Minister visited the Guyana Livestock Development Authority’s (GLDA) Ruminant Abattoir, the Onverwagt Prawns Project and the Public-Private Poultry Tunnel Ventilated House Project at Onverwagt, as well as the Agriculture Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programme (AIEP) hydroponic farm at Fort Wellington on the West Coast of Berbice (WCB). During the engagements, Minister Mustapha interacted with staff and technical officers and received detailed updates on the progress, operational readiness and timelines for each initiative. He reiterated that the projects form part of a suite of transformative investments conceptualised by President Dr Irfaan Ali to strengthen Guyana’s agricultural resilience, reduce food imports and position the country as a key contributor to regional food supply.

The GLDA Ruminant Abattoir at Onverwagt is a modern facility designed to support the processing of cattle and other ruminants to internationally accepted sanitary and phytosanitary standards. Once operational, the abattoir will enhance meat quality and food safety, reduce post-harvest losses and create new market opportunities for livestock farmers. The facility, which is expected to be commissioned in a few weeks, will support exports and supply value-added meat products to both the local market and CARICOM countries, strengthening regional protein availability. The Onverwagt Prawns Project is a flagship aquaculture initiative aimed at developing a sustainable prawn industry in Guyana. It is designed to reduce imports, diversify the fisheries sector and open new income streams for farmers. By increasing local production of high-value seafood, the initiative supports Guyana’s food security objectives while positioning the country to meet growing regional demand within CARICOM.

The Public-Private Poultry Tunnel Ventilated House Project represents a major step in modernising Guyana’s poultry industry. Utilising climate-controlled tunnel ventilation technology, the facility is designed to improve bird health, increase production efficiency and ensure a consistent supply of quality poultry meat. This project complements national efforts to stabilise poultry supply, reduce production costs, and strengthen Guyana’s role in supplying protein to the regional market. The AIEP Hydroponic Farm at Fort Wellington forms part of the Government’s drive to promote climate-smart agriculture and youth entrepreneurship. The facility demonstrates advanced soilless production systems that enable year-round cultivation of high-value crops with less water and land. The project supports training, innovation and technology transfer while contributing to increased vegetable production for local consumption and regional markets.