Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha says several flagship agriculture projects in Region Five (Mahaica–Berbice) are advancing steadily toward operational status, marking a significant step in the Government of Guyana’s drive to expand food production, reduce imports, and strengthen regional exports.
During weekend engagements at Onverwagt and Fort Wellington, the Minister received progress updates on the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) Ruminant Abattoir, the Onverwagt Prawns Project, the Public-Private Poultry Tunnel Ventilated House Project, and the Agriculture Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programme (AIEP) Hydroponic Farm.
He reiterated that the initiatives form part of a broader agricultural transformation strategy conceptualized by Mohamed Irfaan Ali to enhance resilience, improve value-added production, and position Guyana as a key food supplier within CARICOM.
The GLDA Ruminant Abattoir, expected to be commissioned within weeks, will process cattle and other ruminants to internationally accepted sanitary and phytosanitary standards. The facility is anticipated to improve meat quality and food safety, reduce post-harvest losses, and create expanded export opportunities while strengthening domestic supply.
The Onverwagt Prawns Project is aimed at establishing a sustainable local prawn industry, reducing seafood imports, and opening new revenue streams for farmers. Increased aquaculture production is also expected to help meet rising regional demand for high-value seafood.
The Public-Private Poultry Tunnel Ventilated House Project introduces climate-controlled technology to improve efficiency, bird health, and output consistency, supporting national efforts to stabilize poultry supply and lower production costs.
Meanwhile, the AIEP Hydroponic Farm at Fort Wellington demonstrates climate-smart, soilless cultivation systems that enable year-round production of high-value crops using less land and water, while promoting youth entrepreneurship and agricultural innovation.
Minister Mustapha emphasized that together, the projects represent an integrated approach linking livestock, aquaculture, poultry, and crop production to build a diversified and resilient food system capable of supporting long-term national and regional food security.
