Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, on Wednesday launched the brackish-water shrimp project on the Essequibo Coast.
While addressing those gathered, Minister Mustapha pointed to the success of a similar initiative in Region Six, noting that the brackish-water shrimp farming project there has become one of the most remarkable achievements in Guyana’s agriculture sector.
He explained that through sustained government investment, technical support, farmer training, and key infrastructure upgrades, the initiative has evolved into a thriving aquaculture industry delivering tangible economic benefits.
“To date, farmers have been able to achieve strong production levels, and with shrimp fetching over $1,000 per pound, this translates to approximately $40,000 per production cycle. Even after accounting for expenses, the net income remains substantial, with each farmer earning approximately $545,000 every six weeks,” Minister Mustapha explained.
The Minister emphasized that the initiative goes beyond production, describing it as a model for community transformation.
“This project is not just aquaculture—it is economic empowerment. It is sustainable income at the community level. It is livelihoods transformed,” he said.
Minister Mustapha also disclosed that two machines will be deployed to support the establishment of the project on the Essequibo Coast. He noted that once preparatory works commence, individual plots can be developed within approximately two months. He further encouraged farmers to organize themselves into groups, assuring that the Ministry will work closely with them to implement a structured work programme to ensure the project’s timely and successful rollout.
Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Hon. Madanlall Ramraj was also present.
