Agriculture Minister Aims to Double Production, End Onion Imports by 2027

According to the Guyana Times, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha announced that production has seen an increase in almost every agricultural subsector since 2020. Mustapha stated that the government's objective is to double agricultural production and to develop Guyana's capability to supply regional markets, aiming to become a net exporter to the region, not just a local producer.

Speaking during an agricultural outreach in Albion, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) over the weekend, Mustapha detailed that Guyana plans to end all onion imports by the first quarter of 2027. He also mentioned hopes that corn and soya production will increase sufficiently so that the country will not need to import any of those commodities by the first quarter of 2027. The Minister noted that exports to Barbados have already commenced for corn and soya.

Regarding poultry, Mustapha reported that production reached 91,000 metric tonnes in 2025, which is an increase from a previous level of 41,000 metric tonnes. He expressed confidence that the implementation of modern tunnel-ventilated poultry pens is expected to foster further growth, potentially leading to output exceeding 100,000 metric tonnes by the close of 2026.

Mustapha also conveyed optimism regarding the first rice crop in 2027, attributing this to advancements in land preparation and the availability of irrigation water. He reported that 100,000 acres of land have already been readied for cultivation under the Mahaica-Mahaicony-Abary (MMA) scheme, and nearly 60,000 acres are currently being prepared in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). Furthermore, when checking the previous week, land preparation in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) stood at approximately 22,000 acres, with that region's cultivation capacity estimated at about 34,000 acres.

Addressing water resources, Mustapha confirmed that irrigation is being made available despite the ongoing El Niño conditions, stating that there is sufficient water in the conservancies. He mentioned plans to meet with key stakeholders from across the country on Tuesday to determine additional interventions to support cultivation, expressing hope that the first crop in 2027 will be a bumper crop.

Finally, the Minister shared that he is optimistic about international market conditions, citing rising prices for paddy and rice, as well as trends observed in Europe and Asia, which he believes could benefit Guyana's rice industry.