- $230M equipment commissioned in Reg. One to strengthen region’s capacity to execute critical agricultural, D&I works
- -two villages benefit from tractors
Agriculture Minister, the Honourable Zulfikar Mustapha, on Wednesday, travelled to Kumaka Village in the Moruca sub-district, Region One (Barima-Waini), to commission several pieces of agricultural equipment valued at approximately $230 million; an investment that reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its capacity to execute critical agricultural and drainage works across hinterland communities.
The equipment included a pontoon with two excavators, along with two tractors that were handed over to the villages of Manawarin-Arawansa and Burahara. Minister Mustapha said the investments represent another commitment fulfilled following requests made by residents during previous outreaches conducted by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Minister Mustapha and other Cabinet Ministers.
While delivering remarks at the commissioning exercise, Minister Mustapha said the Government remains committed to translating the commitments made to residents into tangible development.
“When President Ali was here, he made a commitment to deliver these pieces of equipment to the residents of Region One. Today is another example of the PPP/C Government’s commitment to turning promises into tangible development on the ground. We didn’t return to talk about it; we are here to deliver on it. This forms part of the Government’s efforts to harness the potential of Region One. This is the vision and philosophy of the PPP/C Government and our President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali. This region has been a very important part of our country’s development,” Minister Mustapha said.
The Minister said the Government has been making significant investments to ensure hinterland communities have access to the resources needed to improve livelihoods and stimulate economic activity.
“We are here to put resources into the hands of the communities to get work done and bring development to our hinterland. This is one of the important priorities on the PPP/C Government’s agenda. Over the years, we have seen tremendous transformation taking place in hinterland communities. This Government believes that, regardless of where you live, you must enjoy and benefit from our country’s development. As Minister of Agriculture, I want you to know that we have programmes that will help to restore the productive strengths of this region. Let us work together,” he explained.
Minister Mustapha disclosed that approximately 14 kilometres of drainage works have already been completed in Region One. He said the newly commissioned pontoon and excavators will initially be deployed to the area known as 99 Turns to clear waterways before being utilised in other parts of the region.
The Minister also announced that additional investments will be made to further strengthen the region’s agricultural capacity, including equipment for land clearing and an amphibious excavator to undertake critical excavation works in canals.
“In addition to what is being delivered here, further investments will be made to provide excavators to clear land for farmers. We will also have an amphibious excavator deployed to the region, working directly in the canals to execute critical excavation works. We have to use these pieces of equipment to make the region productive. We want this region to produce all of the spices. We want to expand coffee and coconut production, as well as large-scale apiculture. We will provide the technical support, infrastructure and planting materials,” he noted.
While highlighting the successes recorded by students who wrote Agricultural Science at the 2026 CSEC examinations, Minister Mustapha said the Government will continue to encourage more young people to pursue careers in agriculture. He also announced support to improve practical agricultural training at the school.
“I want more young people to get involved in agriculture. Once they are showing this interest, we will work to ensure they are able to attend the Guyana School of Agriculture and other tertiary institutions to further their studies in agriculture. I also want the school to be better equipped so that when students undertake practical work, the necessary facilities are available. Therefore, I’ll be making a pair of cattle, a pair of swine and 300 broiler birds available to the school within a month so that it can establish a livestock farm. This will enable students to receive the necessary theoretical and practical training,” Minister Mustapha said.
Minister Mustapha said the investments being made across the country demonstrate the Government’s approach to development, noting that tangible results remain the clearest measure of delivery.
“When we build roads and hospitals, increase agricultural production and provide equipment, this is what development looks like under the PPP/C Government. The difference between talking about development and delivering development is the tangible results, such as the equipment we are here to commission today,” he said.
Meanwhile, Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley said the equipment represents productive assets that will support agriculture, improve access and contribute to the economic development of communities across the region.
“Today represents more than just the handing over of machinery. These are productive assets that will help to improve drainage and irrigation, enhance access to our waterways and farmlands, support land preparation, and enable our farmers to cultivate more efficiently and effectively. This is important to our food security, the livelihoods of our families and the economic development of our communities, region and country,” Mr. Ashley said.
Mr. Ashley noted that Guyana continues to position itself to play an increasingly important role in strengthening food security within the Caribbean and beyond, adding that Region One has an important part to play. He also urged those entrusted with managing the equipment to ensure it is properly maintained, responsibly utilised and made accessible fairly and transparently so that the maximum number of farmers and communities can benefit.
Minister Mustapha further disclosed that, through the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) and the Fisheries Department, works will be undertaken to construct ponds to provide residents with additional opportunities to become involved in aquaculture.
