ByMarvin Cato | HGP Nightly News.
As Agriculture Month 2025 officially launched, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha emphasized that the annual observance is not just a tradition, but a critical opportunity to outline Guyana’s future in food security and economic growth.
Minister Mustapha highlighted that the government intends to utilize resources from the oil and gas sector to expand agriculture, making it more competitive and a stronger contributor to Guyana’s GDP.
“Guyana today is ranked number one in the world in agriculture and food security. That’s a tremendous achievement for us. Agriculture has always been the backbone of development, and we continue to carry the title of the breadbasket of the Caribbean,” the Minister stated.
He underscored the ministry’s goal of moving the sector from a raw material base to one centered on agro-processing, which will create more value-added products, expand export markets, and boost foreign exchange earnings.
Minister within the Ministry, Vickram Bharrat, reiterated that rice and sugar remain integral to Guyana’s economic history but stressed that modernization is critical to addressing recurring challenges, particularly fluctuations in global market prices.
“Your government is investing heavily in modernizing the sector with improved technologies, modern infrastructure, and value-added initiatives,” he affirmed.
Closing the day’s launch, Dr. Gillian Smith, FAO Representative, noted the global importance of Guyana’s agricultural role:
“The very fact that there is an Agriculture Month celebrated in Guyana shows how much commitment Guyana has to food security.”
This year’s observances are being held under the theme: “Transforming Livelihoods Through Agri-Food Systems.”
