The government has invested more than $800 million over the past five years to expand and modernise Guyana’s agro-processing sector, creating new economic opportunities for farmers, women and young entrepreneurs nationwide.
Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, made this disclosure during an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Monday, where he outlined the administration’s efforts to transform agro-processing from a small-scale activity into a modern, value-added industry.
The minister explained that since 2020, the government has built almost 15 agro-processing plants and more than 10 cold storage facilities across the country.
The infrastructure has been established in locations including Canal Number One Polder, Lethem, Whitewater, Orealla, Charity, Watooka and Parika.
According to the minister, the distribution ensures that farmers in hinterland and riverain communities have access to the same facilities and opportunities available along the coast.
“Our goal is not only to increase agricultural production, but also to create opportunities for farmers to earn more by participating in value-added activities,” Minister Mustapha stated.
He noted that the investments are helping to reduce post-harvest losses while creating a more efficient agricultural supply chain.
The agriculture minister added that the agro-processing sector has become a major source of employment, particularly for women and young people.
“…At the same time, it is providing farmers with stable markets for their produce and contributing to the growth of rural economies,” he said.
More than 2,500 farmers are directly benefiting from the new facilities through improved market access and wider opportunities to supply raw materials.
Minister Mustapha explained that the focus on value-added processing is part of a broader plan to strengthen food production and position Guyana as a leading supplier in the region.
For decades, Guyana primarily exported raw agricultural commodities. The government is now placing greater emphasis on processing and packaging products to increase their competitiveness in regional and international markets.
To support the sector’s growth, a food hub is being built to serve as a central facility for agro-processing.
The initiative is part of ongoing government efforts to enhance food security, expand exports and increase employment across the country.
