Agriculture Minister, Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha, is calling on farmers, entrepreneurs, private-sector stakeholders and other partners to work alongside the Government to transform Berbice into a beacon of agricultural excellence and a driving force in Guyana’s economic development.
Minister Mustapha made the call while delivering the feature address at the launch of the 20th Berbice Expo and Trade Fair, which is slated to be held from October 2 to 5, 2026, under the theme, “Harnessing AI to Transform the Future: While Enhancing Our People.”
The Minister said the Expo presents an important opportunity for entrepreneurs and agricultural stakeholders to showcase their products, build new partnerships and open new markets for farmers and other producers.
He said as Guyana’s agriculture sector continues to expand and modernise, greater collaboration among Government, farmers, businesses and other stakeholders will be critical to ensuring that the opportunities created by this growth translate into sustainable economic benefits.
The Minister further highlighted the increasing role of artificial intelligence and digital technology in supporting the transformation of Guyana’s agriculture sector. He noted that these tools are creating new opportunities for farmers, agro-processors and other stakeholders by improving access to information, increasing efficiency and supporting better decision-making.
“Artificial Intelligence is no longer a distant concept; it is a practical tool that can help our farmers increase yields, our agro-processors improve efficiency, our businesses reach wider markets, and our young people access new skills and opportunities. As we embrace this technology, we must ensure that people remain at the center of transformation. AI must enhance human potential, not replace it; it must empower communities, support innovation, improve public services, and open new pathways for inclusive growth,” he explained.
As part of the Ministry’s digital transformation efforts, Minister Mustapha pointed to the Farmers Connect App, which provides farmers with agricultural information, updates and access to key services. He noted that the platform strengthens communication between farmers, extension officers and the Ministry while helping users make more informed decisions.
The Minister also highlighted the Agriculture Information System (AIS), which is enhancing the Ministry’s ability to collect, manage and utilize agricultural data. The system is expected to support evidence-based decision-making and improve the delivery of services to farmers and other stakeholders.
“The Farmers Connect App provides farmers with important updates and access to key agricultural information and services. This app also has an AI-driven assistant that is specifically designed for Guyana’s agricultural context. The platform uses technology to enhance, not replace, the relationship between farmers, extension officers, and the Ministry. Farmers can now make better decisions, and online resources help extension staff respond more quickly. The Agriculture Information System (AIS) is also facilitating this transformation to enhance the Ministry’s capacity to collect and utilize quality information on farmers, farms, and agricultural activities. Farmers Connect and AIS combine to create a more connected agricultural system where AI, data and human expertise go hand in hand,” he stated.
According to the Minister, the adoption of these technologies forms part of the Government’s broader agenda to modernize the agriculture sector and ensure that farmers and businesses are better positioned to take advantage of emerging opportunities.
Minister Mustapha also spoke about the opportunities for agricultural development with the establishment of the Guyana Development Bank.
“We are injecting funding through the Guyana Development Bank to launch specialized business clusters for poultry, egg production, and commercial hatching right within the Skeldon market ecosystem,” the minister stated.
While highlighting investments in regional agro-processing and food security efforts, Minister Mustapha also spoke about modern agro-processing facilities in Crabwood Creek and Orealla, explaining that the facilities were designed to reduce post-harvest losses, increase farmers’ earnings, and support the production of a range of value-added products.
“The Crabwood Creek Agro-Processing Facility is now fully operational and is actively supporting agro-processors across the region, offering services such as dehydration, milling, blending, juicing, and other agro-processing activities. These facilities are producing products such as green seasoning, pepper sauce, cassava products, and other locally made goods. I therefore encourage farmers, agro-processors, and agro-entrepreneurs throughout Region Six to take full advantage of these services to improve product quality, expand production, and capture greater value from our agricultural output,” he added.
The 20th Berbice Expo and Trade Fair is expected to bring together stakeholders from across the agricultural, business and industrial sectors, providing a platform for innovation, networking and investment.
