“We have to make the industry more resilient” – Agri Minister

…Ministry working to establish standard market prices for fishing industry

Recognising the economic importance of Guyana’s thriving fishing industry, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha recently emphasised the need for stakeholders to identify and implement initiatives that will strengthen the industry’s resilience.

In a recent outreach in Region Six (East Berbice- Corentyne) Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha met with fisherfolk from Albion and other surrounding areas on the Corentyne Coast. Minister Mustapha noted that while the Government has been active in supporting fisherfolks through initiatives like direct cash transfers and pay increases, he stressed the importance of stakeholders identifying ways in which they can make the industry more sustainable and resilient.
“You have to develop the industry to make the industry more resilient. Are you going to come back in two years from now and say you need a cash grant again? We have to make the industry more resilient so that you can earn a daily income or a weekly income from the industry and how we can do that? We have to work with you.”
Mustapha added, “We must not stop doing fishing work. Fishing is important for the country’s economy. Fishing is important for your daily bread, for your survival, for your income.”
Moreover, recognising that prices on the fishing market fluctuate regularly, Minister Mustapha told farmers that the Agriculture Ministry is currently working to establish standard market prices for the sector.
“We are looking to see some long-term market for you all, it’s a work in progress where we can get a standard price. Because… you as fisherfolks, you are the persons who [are] risking your life, going out there, risking your life, braving all the elements: the sun, the rain, the rough sea, everything – and when you come out back, you do not make the money.”
In 2024, the Fisheries industry in Guyana had recorded its highest marine production in the last five years; in 2021, the fisheries sector faced challenges with severely low catches, impacting the livelihoods of fisherfolk and overall industry production. In response, the Government had implemented various measures, including grants, consultations, and new interventions, to support and enhance production.
To further boost production and monitor activities in the Atlantic Ocean, the Ministry of Agriculture procured tracking devices for deployment on private boats conducting patrols. In addition to traditional fishing, significant strides have been made in advancing the aquaculture industry. Initiatives such as the expanding brackish water shrimp project, cage culture, and prawn production have contributed to the diversification of the sector.
Meanwhile, this year the Agriculture Ministry has been allocated $104.6 billion, a significant investment to boost several sub-sectors such as crops, livestock and aquaculture. This represents an increase compared to the $97.6 billion allocated in the 2024 budget.
In Guyana’s 2025 National Budget, a total of $1.3 billion is allocated for the fisheries and aquaculture sector, with plans to construct 80 additional brackish water shrimp ponds in Region Six and install 50 more fishing cages.