The launching ceremony of agriculture month featured Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha who seized the opportunity to regale the audience with the many accomplishments made by the Ministry during his leadership. The Minister reflected on the troubled state of the sector when the Irfaan Ali-led Administration took Office in 2020 and expressed complete pride in the progress made in six years.
October is dubbed Agriculture month. This year it is being celebrated under the theme “Innovate, Nourish, Grow: Building a Strong and Sustainable Guyana.” Mustapha said the theme captures the reality of Guyana’s agricultural sector. He said, “it reflects the direction of Guyana’s agricultural development. Our farmers are _**innovating**_ by embracing science, technology, research, mechanization, digital agriculture, and climate-smart production systems. Drones, sensors, precision irrigation and the farmers app are now being used more by farmers.”
Reflecting on the journey, Mustapha noted that the national agricultural budget has raised by 515%, from $18.4B in 2020 to $113.2B in 2026. He said this level of investment reflects the government commitment to the sector.
This investment, according to Mustapha, is mot without return as Guyana stands out as the only country in the world capable of feeding its population a balanced diet even if importation stops tomorrow.
Mustapha noted that famers have been working hand in hand with government and are not only adjusting to, but embracing modern farming techniques and technologies. Mustapha said that farmers are increasingly embracing science, technology, research, mechanisation, digital agriculture and climate-smart production systems. He told the audience that the growing use of drones, sensors, precision irrigation and digital platforms such as the Farmers Connect app, demonstrates how technology is becoming an integral part of agricultural production and service delivery.
Mustapha boasted that the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) had identified Guyana as one of only four countries in Latin America and the Caribbean with a prevalence of hunger and undernourishment below 2.5 percent.
Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, Vikash Ramkisson also spoke at the ceremony. He said that the government continues to prioritize agriculture by putting its money where its mouth is. He added that Guyanese can expect much more progress in this sector.
The simple launch ceremony was punctuated by several cultural pieces including a performance by Young Bill Rogers.
Agriculture Month 2026 will provide opportunities for citizens across the country to engage directly with the sector through a packed calendar of activities. These will include farmers’ markets, the inaugural Farmers’ Conference, the Annual Honey Fest, World Food Day activities and several other events showcasing the achievements and continued development of the sector.
