- reaffirms government’s commitment to food security, sustainable economic development
Agriculture Minister, Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha, on Friday, met with residents and farmers of Cane Grove on the East Coast of Demerara and reaffirmed the government’s steadfast commitment to agricultural development, food security, and sustainable economic development.
While addressing the gathering, Minister Mustapha highlighted a number of transformative initiatives that have been implemented under the current administration, which have significantly strengthened Guyana’s agricultural sector and elevated the country’s global standing as a food-secure nation.
“Guyana is now the only country in the world capable of producing enough food to feed its entire population. If you read the recent article that was published by BBC Science Focus, you will see that Guyana is the only country in the world capable of fully feeding its population without relying on food imports. The study was a global study, and only Guyana emerged as a country that produces enough food to feed its people. That’s a reflection of our government’s unwavering dedication to the agriculture sector and food security. Under the previous government, agriculture was deemphasized, but if you examine our national budgets, they tell a story, one that clearly shows the Government’s priority is to develop the agriculture sector and ensure that Guyana remains food secure,” he explained.
Minister Mustapha noted that under the leadership of His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the government has made targeted investments in rice production, high-value crop cultivation, infrastructure, and technology, all of which are aimed at increasing yields, diversifying production, and building climate resilience.
In further support of farmers, the Minister highlighted President Ali’s recent announcement that a significant sum was allocated to construct farm-to-market roads, an initiative designed to improve access and reduce transportation costs for agricultural communities like Cane Grove.
The Minister also touched on immediate matters affecting Cane Grove residents, such as drainage and irrigation, the effective functioning of the Water Users Association, and cattle rustling. Minister Mustapha told the gathering that a team from the Ministry of Agriculture will work along with the Water Users Association to resolve all of the issues raised. Additionally, Minister Mustapha, disclosed that a committee comprising representatives from the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), the Guyana Police Force, and cattle farmers from the area will be established to address the issue of cattle rustling in the region. He noted that a similar committee was set up in the Mahaica-Berbice region.
In addition to highlighting the advances in the agriculture sector, Minister Mustapha also spoke about developments in other sectors like health, infrastructure, education, and housing.
Residents and farmers present at the meeting praised the government’s proactive approach to community development and expressed their strong support for President Dr. Irfaan Ali and his administration. Many pledged their continued backing for the government’s re-election bid, citing tangible improvements in their daily lives and livelihoods.
