Guyana’s food security efforts are poised for a significant boost this year as 50 new crops are under the expert management of the National Agricultural and Research Extension Institution (NAREI) and privately-owned company, Victoria Greens. Located at NAREI in Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, the hydroponic project is one of the most advanced farming structures in the Caribbean. This was noted by Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha during a recent press engagement.
Guyana Standard understands that fresh herbs and leafy vegetables being grown include mini cucumbers, celery, basil, chives, parsley, dill, coriander, spinach, Swiss chard, kale, sage, oregano green, cavolo, mustard red, thyme, among others.
Minister Mustapha said this project underpins the revolution that is taking place in the non-traditional sector. He lauded the project as setting the stage for the introduction of more high-value crops as well as opportunities for young people to be employed.
Back in December 2022, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was inked between the government and the Israeli Company, KARLICO Inc. for the development of the major project. With the help of the Israelis, the government is using state-of-the-art technology to harness the benefits of hydroponics farming which include year-round cultivation, optimised nutrient delivery, space efficiency, reduced pest and disease pressure, faster harvest cycles, and water conservation.
“..As you know, at the last Agri-Investment Expo the president launched a programme there totaling US$4.5M to establish three more of these (hydroponic) projects…,” the minister said.
Guyana Standard previously reported that the US$4.5M programme forms part of President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme (AIEP). The upcoming programme is also set to be owned and operated by 300 youths from Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
Under the AEIP umbrella, 365 shade houses have produced a number of high-value crops including lettuce, cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots with earnings totalling over $25 million.
The foregoing efforts form part of Guyana’s strategy to reduce its food import bill by 25 percent. Guyana, as well as its CARICOM counterparts, is working to achieve this common goal by next year.
