Guyana is set to achieve self-sufficiency in livestock feed production by 2025, says Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha. The official announced this development during the commissioning of a soil chemical services laboratory at the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) in Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara.
“For the first time, we are producing corn and soya in our country. And next year, we will be self-sufficient in producing all the livestock feed in our country,” said Minister Mustapha.
Currently, Guyana imports about US$40 million worth of livestock feed annually. Minister Mustapha highlighted that local production of feed ingredients like corn and soya beans will not only reduce this expenditure but also allow for reinvestment into other sectors, potentially boosting the country’s GDP.
The journey toward self-sufficiency is well underway, with over 10,000 acres of corn and soya already under cultivation in Tacama, Berbice. By the end of 2025, this area is expected to expand to a total of 30,000 acres.
Corn and soya beans are critical components in livestock feed due to their nutritional value. Soya beans, in particular, produce a plant-derived protein supplement known as “oilseed meal,” which enhances digestion and supports growth in animals. Corn silage is another essential feed ingredient, providing a high-energy diet for dairy heifers and lactating cows.
The government has allocated $967.8 million in this year’s budget specifically for corn and soya bean production. This investment forms part of a broader push by the PPP/C Government, which has significantly increased funding for the agriculture sector from $13.5 billion four years ago to $77.6 billion today.
Minister Mustapha emphasized that this increased investment and strategic focus have helped Guyana reclaim its position as a leader in agriculture within the Caribbean region. “Under the leadership of President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, we have not only been put at the forefront of agriculture, but today we have recognized a renewed interest in agriculture across the Caribbean,” he stated.
Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Guyana’s economy, currently producing 60 percent of the food consumed by its citizens. Since 2020, the country has launched various initiatives, such as the Black Belly Sheep Programme, brackish water shrimp rearing, and the cultivation of high-yield crops like cauliflower and broccoli, aimed at diversifying and enhancing the sector.
In addition to the advancements in livestock feed, the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) recently reported an increase in the nation’s rice yield, from 5.9 tonnes per hectare to 6.75 tonnes per hectare, attributing this success to direct government investments.
With these strategic investments and developments, Guyana is on a clear path to not only achieving self-sufficiency in livestock feed but also solidifying its status as a regional agricultural powerhouse.
