The Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme (AIEP), an initiative launched in 2022 by President Dr. Irfaan Ali to empower young entrepreneurs, launched the country’s first line of pepper jellies at the Massy Mega Store located at MovieTowne. Leading the launch on Monday morning was Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha.
During his remarks, Minister Mustapha emphasized the broader significance of the initiative, noting that it embodies the spirit of innovation, sustainability, and economic empowerment that is sure to take the country forward.
Since the launch of the AIEP by the president, Mustapha said this flagship initiative has been a source of significant economic growth while helping youths to find gainful employment in this traditional sector.
Mustapha said the programme continues to yield impressive results with the production of high-value crops such as broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, carrots, bell peppers, tomatoes, chili peppers, parsley, and celery. He highlighted that the pepper jelly line is a testament of the fact that Guyana’s youths can and will set new benchmarks within the sector.
Also speaking at the event, Shalini Thakur-Jagdeo, Assistant Vice President of Massy Stores, praised the collaboration with AIEP as a meaningful contribution to Guyana’s national development goals.
“By featuring products from the AIEP, we’re helping to build a stronger, more food secure Guyana. This initiative is about more than products on the shelves. It’s about empowering young agri-entrepreneurs, promoting climate-smart farming, and contributing to the national goal of reducing the country’s food import bill by 25% by 2030,” she stated.
Crafted using high-value crops grown with climate-smart agricultural practices, the AIEP Pepper Jelly line represents the dedication and vision of young agriculturists who are driving change in Guyana’s food production landscape.
