The Government of Guyana and the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) have entered into an $18 million financing agreement to initiate the Agricultural and Infrastructural Development Programme (AIDP). This program aims to benefit over 4,300 farmers across all ten regions of Guyana, with a focus on empowering women and youth, who comprise forty percent of the beneficiaries.
Signed at the Ministry of Finance, the agreement was attended by officials from both the Ministries of Agriculture and Finance. Senior Minister Dr. Ashni Singh highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating Guyana’s commitment to fostering a robust non-oil economy where agriculture plays a vital role. He emphasized that the program aligns with national and regional food security agendas.
Dr. Singh expressed gratitude for the CDF’s ongoing support, reiterating Guyana’s dedication to enhancing its agricultural capabilities and food security for the Caribbean region.
CDF’s CEO, Rodinald Soomer, lauded the $18 million investment as a strategic initiative aimed at developing a resilient agricultural sector that contributes to nourishment and sustains economic opportunities for local farmers. He outlined components of the AIDP, which include the establishment of a modern swine abattoir and improved agro-processing facilities, designed to bolster the agricultural sector’s competitiveness and environmental resilience.
As President Irfaan Ali serves as CARICOM’s lead on agriculture, the project aligns with the region’s efforts to reduce food imports and enhance production, establishing a foundation for sustainable agricultural practices.
Source: newsroom.gy
