Use it or lose it: Agri Minister draws line on Region 5 sheep project

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has issued a clear warning to sheep farmers allocated lands under the Region Five (Mahaica–Berbice) pasture development programme, stating that plots which remain idle will be reassigned to other farmers who are ready to move forward. The Minister delivered the warning on Saturday during a meeting with sheep and goat farmers at the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) office at Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice (WCB), where several farmers raised concerns about drainage, mosquito infestation, security and the high cost of constructing pens and accommodation on the five-acre plots.

“You can’t expect us to give you the land; you don’t take up the land, and then you are talking about mosquitoes and so on,” Mustapha told the gathering. Making the Government’s position unmistakably clear, he added, “If you all don’t want this thing, I am bringing it from another region; I will take it over,” while pointing out that there is already strong demand from farmers elsewhere. During the engagement, farmers expressed worry that the lands were flat and could accumulate water during prolonged periods of rainfall, posing a risk to sheep.
Others raised concerns about mosquito prevalence, stray dogs, the difficulty of managing sheep while also rearing cattle, pigs, and goats, and the financial burden of constructing pens and basic living quarters, particularly given the need for someone to remain on or near the plots. Mustapha responded by assuring farmers that drainage and irrigation works would be addressed immediately, revealing that machinery would be assigned to the area starting this week to carry out drainage and irrigation works.
“I assure you that there will be no flooding,” he said, adding that the lands already have pipes, drainage, and irrigation systems in place and that significant investment has already been made. The Minister also pointed to upcoming financial support, referencing the planned establishment of a development bank following the national budget. Under that facility, farmers would be able to access up to $3 million without collateral and interest-free, funds which could be used to construct pens and basic facilities.
“For less than $3 million, we’ll build a proper thing there for you,” he said, urging farmers to take advantage of the opportunity.
Addressing concerns about managing sheep alongside other livestock, Mustapha urged farmers to focus on the purpose of the initiative. “We can’t do everything under the sun and manage to do anything,” he said, stressing that the project is specifically aimed at developing the local mutton industry, while noting that separate investments are also being pursued to expand cattle and pig production. The land-allocation initiative forms part of the Government’s wider livestock-development drive, which has been unfolding over several years.
While there was no single ceremonial launch of the land-allocation component, the programme has been rolled out progressively through the Ministry of Agriculture and the GLDA, using lands at the former “500 Dairy” site in Region Five earmarked for pasture and small-ruminant development. Recent reports indicate that more than 50 of the 60 available five-acre plots have already been allocated. The project is also closely linked to earlier sheep-development initiatives in the region, including the Black Belly Sheep Project launched in March 2022, which positioned Region Five as a key livestock hub.
That intervention focused on improving breeding stock, genetics and farmer capacity, laying the groundwork for expanded sheep production and reduced reliance on imported mutton. Senior Veterinary Officer at the GLDA, Dr Dwight Walrond, who is also the acting CEO of GLDA, outlined additional technical support that will be provided, including the placement of a mobile corral to assist farmers with animal handling and veterinary work. He said technical staff would be stationed in the area daily, with sections of the land designated for training and demonstration purposes. Works will also be carried out along Ranch Dam to further prepare areas for camps and pens.
Farmers at the meeting agreed to work through an association model, which would allow for shared oversight and the possibility of jointly employing personnel to manage the area. Mustapha welcomed the approach and committed the GLDA to working closely with the association to ensure the project’s success. Describing the initiative as a pilot project, the Minister said it is intended to be replicated across the country once successful. He revealed that farmers in other regions, including Region Six and Essequibo, have already expressed interest in similar programmes. Mustapha reiterated that Government support would continue but stressed that commitment from farmers is non-negotiable. “This area has got to work,” he said, again warning that lands left idle will be reassigned to others prepared to develop them.