Minister of Agriculture
of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana
The Honourable Zulfikar Mustapha, M.P., is the current Minister of Agriculture of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, a position he has held since 2020. With more than three decades of dedicated service to the agricultural sector, Minister Mustapha has consistently championed the interests of farmers and spearheaded initiatives to modernize Guyana’s agri-food systems.
Early Career and Public Service
Minister Mustapha began his professional career in agriculture in 1989, serving the farming community through the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) until 2002. His commitment to advancing the rights and welfare of farmers led him to public office, where he later served as Regional Chairman and subsequently as a Member of Parliament, roles in which he gained extensive experience in governance and policy-making.
Leadership as Minister of Agriculture
Upon his appointment as Minister of Agriculture in 2020, Minister Mustapha immediately set out to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of Guyana’s agriculture sector. His leadership has focused on:
- Institutional strengthening of key agricultural agencies
- Expanding infrastructure, including farm-to-market roads
- Enhancing drainage and irrigation systems to improve flood control and water management
- Providing incentives and support to agribusiness stakeholders to boost productivity and competitiveness
These interventions have significantly advanced the modernization of Guyana’s agriculture sector, ensuring greater resilience in the face of climate change while expanding opportunities for farmers nationwide.
Regional and International Engagement
Minister Mustapha actively represents Guyana in high-level dialogues, meetings, and workshops on regional and global platforms. His work focuses on de-risking agriculture, expanding market access, and strengthening disaster response capacity. He is also a strong advocate for transforming food systems to address climate change challenges and reduce CARICOM’s food import bill.
In recognition of his leadership, Minister Mustapha serves as Chair of the CARICOM Special Ministerial Task Force on Food Production and Food Security, where he plays a pivotal role in driving the region’s food security agenda.
Dedication and Vision
Minister Mustapha is widely respected for his accessibility and hands-on approach. He spends much of his time in the fields and communities, engaging directly with farmers, understanding their challenges, and ensuring their voices are represented in national policy. His education, expertise, and decades of experience uniquely position him to guide the transformation of Guyana’s agriculture sector into a modern, resilient, and globally competitive industry.
His vision is clear: to make Guyana the food-producing capital of the Caribbean while contributing to regional food security and sustainable agricultural development.
