By: Marvin Cato | HGP Nightly News|
The Ministry of Agriculture, through its Fisheries Department, in collaboration with the University of Guyana’s Faculty of Natural Sciences and the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, hosted a Fisheries Research Symposium in observance of Agriculture Month 2025.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, Junior Minister Vickash Ramkissoon highlighted the government’s commitment to modernizing Guyana’s agricultural sector through science, technology, and innovation. He announced the upcoming commissioning of a tissue culture laboratory, which he said will transform the country’s capacity for agricultural research and production.
Minister Ramkissoon emphasized that fisheries science plays a vital role in national food security, explaining that it encompasses fish stock assessment, sustainable fishing practices, and the development of aquaculture to reduce pressure on wild fisheries. He reaffirmed the government’s broader vision to make Guyana the regional hub for food security through initiatives that balance environmental sustainability with economic growth.
Participants at the symposium examined the importance of effective resource management, especially as overfishing, climate change, and environmental degradation continue to threaten marine ecosystems. Presentations also focused on the role of research and innovation in building resilience within the fisheries sector and promoting sustainable aquaculture practices.
The event forms part of a month-long calendar of Agriculture Month activities showcasing Guyana’s continued progress in strengthening its agricultural base through research, education, and technology.
