A $402.5 million tissue culture and micropropagation facility is currently under construction at the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI). This forms part of the government’s broader efforts to boost the cash and high-value crops sector.
Once completed, the facility is expected to significantly expand the production of disease-free, high-yielding plantlets from the current output of 15,000 to more than one million annually. The laboratory will focus on a range of key crops, including citrus, pineapples, plantains, and sweet potatoes.Notably, the facility’s development is the result of a collaborative agreement between the Government of Guyana and the Energy Resource Institute (TERI) of India, leveraging international expertise to drive domestic advancements in agricultural technology.
According to a statement by the Agriculture Ministry, this initiative is intended to reduce Guyana’s dependence on imported planting materials, while supporting the country’s long-term goal of becoming a major food producer within the Caribbean region.
It was noted that the investment reflects the government’s commitment to using advanced technology and innovation to enhance food security and promote agricultural sustainability.
