Farmers from across the country are set to benefit from a number of tools and inputs to boost their
production. Agriculture Minister Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha made the disclosure on Saturday during an
outreach to Bushlot on the Corentyne Coast.
While speaking with reporters, Minister Mustapha said the programme commenced last year and
targeted farmers in hinterland communities across Guyana.
“You know for a fact that we’ve been working to ensure every farmer across the country benefits from
the available resources. Today we distributed tools and implements to twelve farmers’ groups on the
Corentyne Coast. A few weeks ago, we distributed to farmers in other parts of the region. This is an
ongoing programme that commenced last year. We had distribution exercises in a number of hinterland
communities in Regions One, Seven, Eight, and Nine. We also started distribution in Region Five. Shortly,
we’ll be going to Region Three. We’ve also distributed to a number of groups in Region Two. So, farmers
in Regions Three and Four; on the East Bank and East Coast, and in Region Ten; in Kwakwani, Linden,
and along the Berbice River will benefit soon,” the minister explained.
Minister Mustapha further stated that the programme forms part of the government’s efforts to
empower farmers to produce more while lowering production costs.
“This is part of the government’s programme to help farmers with inputs to increase production and
reduce costs. Guyana is categorized as a major food producer in CARICOM and if CARICOM has to
achieve its objective of reducing the import bill by 25% by 2025, Guyana has to be successful.
CARICOM’s food security efforts are being led by His Excellency, President Ali and since taking that
responsibility, all of the CARICOM Countries are interested in agriculture,” he explained.
The minister also said that the budgetary allocation to the sector has increased tremendously under the
PPP/C government, with funds being allocated to make inputs available as well as improve infrastructure
and make the sector more resilient
“We are now enhancing and improving agriculture in our country. When you look at the level of
investments being made, it is tremendous. The sector’s budget has increased from $13 billion in 2020 to
$97.6 billion in 2024. So, you see the efforts being made by the government. We have to make this
sector more resilient. We have to make sure the infrastructure is suitable for the direction we are going.
This is why we are constructing these massive high-level canals, building farm-to-market access roads,
upgrading dams, and clearing canals. We are also procuring more heavy-duty machines and investing in
technology,” he added.
Minister Mustapha said that the programme will see farmers benefiting from tools, chemicals, planting
materials, Black Giant Chicks, and other inputs being made available to farmers free of cost.
During Saturday’s distribution, farmers from the Mibicuri North Farmers’ Group, Mibicuri South
Farmers’ Group, Lesbeholden North Farmers’ Group, Lesbeholden South Farmers’ Group, Joanna North
Farmers’ Group, Yakusari Farmers’ Group, Bush Lot Farmers’ Group, Nurney/Kildonan Farmers Group,
Manchester/Alness Farmers’ Group, #44/#47 Amazon Farmers’ Group, #48/51 Progressive Farmers’
Group, and Fyrish Farmers Group benefited. Each group received a tiller, water pump, spray cans, and
several other tools and implements. Minister Mustapha also distributed tools and implements to the
Mibicuri Primary and Secondary Schools and the Central Corentyne Secondary School.
Farmers are also encouraged to register with a farmers’ group in their area or speak with an agriculture
extension officer or a local authority representative for more information.
