Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Tuesday told the National Assembly that Guyana’s sugar industry is steadily recovering and is projected to return to profitability by 2030, as government ramps up mechanisation, reopens estates and implements a new five-year strategic plan for the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).

Speaking during the Budget 2026 debates, Mustapha said the sector’s turnaround follows years of decline marked by estate closures and the loss of thousands of jobs, arguing that recent gains are the result of deliberate planning and sustained state investment.

Holding up GuySuCo’s five-year strategic plan, the minister said the document charts a clear path back to profitability, supported by continued funding and operational reforms. He pointed to expanding mechanisation as a key pillar of the recovery, noting that more than 41 per cent of GuySuCo’s agricultural operations are now mechanised, with over 113,000 metric tonnes of cane harvested mechanically.

Mustapha told the House that sugar output has begun to climb, increasing by 26 per cent in 2024 and rising to more than 59,000 tonnes in 2025, compared to just over 47,100 tonnes the year before. He said lands that were previously idle, including some 5,000 hectares at Skeldon, are now back under cultivation.

The minister said these improvements are reflected in Budget 2026, which allocates $13.4 billion to the sugar industry as part of the wider agriculture sector envelope. The funds, he explained, will support further mechanisation, factory upgrades and increased production.

According to Mustapha, significant groundwork has already been laid over the past five years, including the reopening of the Rose Hall Estate and upgrades to field and factory infrastructure at Albion, Blairmont, Rose Hall and Uitvlugt, moves he said helped stabilise communities that were hard hit by the industry’s collapse.

However, the minister’s presentation came amid a sharp exchange with Opposition Parliamentarian Vishnu Panday, GuySuCo’s former Agriculture Director, who criticised the corporation’s performance and blamed its challenges on mismanagement. Panday argued that political loyalty, rather than competence, guided appointments within the industry.

Mustapha rejected those claims, saying Panday’s tenure failed to deliver results.

“Although he spoke at length on sugar, he cannot defend his record,” the minister said, adding that Panday’s contract was not renewed after he was unable to increase production across several estates or plant cane at Skeldon.

Framing the sugar allocations as part of a broader social commitment, Mustapha told the House that the industry’s revival is about more than production figures. He described the budget as a “contract with the people,” aimed at restoring jobs, livelihoods and stability in traditional sugar belt communities.

He challenged the opposition to support the sector’s recovery, insisting that GuySuCo’s turnaround is already underway and remains central to Guyana’s long-term agricultural sustainability.

The post Amid mechanisation push, GuySuCo on track for profitability by 2030 -Mustapha appeared first on Sheriff News Network - Guyana.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Tuesday launched a blistering attack on WIN Member of Parliament Vishnu Panday during the Budget Debate, accusing him of incompetence and a “below-par” record during his tenure at GuySuCo.

Addressing the National Assembly, Mustapha told the House that Panday was removed from the state-owned sugar corporation because of poor performance, and said documentary evidence would be laid before Parliament.

“Because of his below-par performance, the Honorable Member was dismissed from GuySuCo because of poor performance. This is his dismissal letter. I will lay it over to the House,” Mustapha said. “This is his dismissal letter that when he was dismissed by the corporation, Mister Speaker.”

Mustapha said that after the PPP/C returned to office, Panday was placed in charge of agriculture at the Skeldon Estate and was tasked with crafting a plan to reopen the estate, but failed to do so.

“He was asked by the corporation to craft a plan to reopen the Skeldon Estate. He failed. He failed, and when he was asked to account for the plan, he resigned. Mister Speaker, he resigned,” the minister said.

At that point, Panday rose on a point of order, disputing the minister’s claims.
“I want to make very clear in this house, sir, I Vishnu Panday was never, ever, dismissed from GuySuCo,” Panday said.

Mustapha brushed aside the objection, describing it as “useless,” and continued his criticism, accusing Panday of failing to execute basic agricultural directives at Skeldon.

According to the minister, while there were 5,000 hectares of mechanised land available at the estate, Panday failed to adequately plant cane after being instructed to do so.

“He was instructed as the agriculture director to plant the cane, and he failed again. Only less than 1,000 hectares of cane was planted. He failed,” Mustapha told the House.

The minister further criticised Panday’s technical performance, claiming that cane yields under his management were the lowest at the estate.

“When you plant cane, the plant cane, tons cane per hectare does be higher than any other cane in the estate. Mister Panday… when he planted that cane, he had the lowest tons cane per hectare; 66 tons cane instead of 70 and more. That is his legacy,” Mustapha said.

Mustapha also disclosed that Panday received a letter from GuySuCo in December 2024 informing him that his contract would not be renewed due to ineffective performance.

“Because of his incompetence, because of his below-par performance, he received a letter from GuySuCo in December of 2024 informing him that his contract will not be renewed by the corporation, because he’s ineffective and he’s performing below par,” the minister said. “And he coming here to lecture us.”

The agriculture minister further claimed that after his contract was not renewed, Panday approached him seeking intervention, but was told by the GuySuCo board that he could not continue.

“When I find out from the board, the board said that he cannot continue because he’s not an effective agriculture director, and he has failed the corporation. And that is his legacy,” Mustapha said.

He also accused Panday of crossing over to the opposition out of spite.
“When his contract was not renewed, he said he want to take revenge, and he gone over the opposition party. That’s the man,” Mustapha added.

Turning to Panday’s contribution to the budget debate, Mustapha said he was unimpressed by the MP’s presentation on agriculture.

“When I heard that Mr. Vishnu Panday… will speak on agriculture, I expect this man know everything about agriculture,” Mustapha said. “He spoke about three things. He spoke about coffee a little, rice a little, sugar all the time, and a little DNI.”

Despite speaking extensively on sugar, Mustapha maintained that Panday could not justify his own record in the industry.

“Although he spoke at length on sugar, he cannot defend his record in the sugar industry. He cannot defend his record,” the minister told the House.

The post Mustapha tears into WIN MP Panday for below-par performance at GuySuCo appeared first on Sheriff News Network - Guyana.

Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha has described Budget 2026 as a “people-centered budget designed to strengthen economic growth while uplifting communities,” with a historic allocation of $113.2 billion for the agriculture sector.

“This budget, if one has to describe this budget, it’s a people-centered budget designed to strengthen economic growth while uplifting communities,” Mustapha said, adding that it is “a strategic and inclusive roadmap for sustainable national progress.”

Focusing on agriculture, he said the sector remains central to Guyana’s development.

“A sector that has been the cornerstone of Guyana’s economy,” he stated, noting that the budget ensures “every farmer, whether on the coast, in the hinterland, or the riverine communities, deserves the full support of the government.”

Mustapha said the government’s vision is to transform Guyana into “a food-producing capital of the Caribbean,” and pointed to growth in both traditional and new crops.

“We have seen increased production in all the traditional areas, and we have now ventured into new areas… the high-value crops, corn and soya.”

He explained that the agriculture allocation has grown significantly since 2020.

“Last year, we saw that the budgetary allocation in the agriculture sector was a massive $104 billion. And again, this year we have seen increases in the allocation, $113.2 billion.”

According to the minister, the funding will support modernisation and diversification.

“This budgetary allocation will have a lot of transformative initiatives. It will deliver on our promises to the people of our country.”

He said agriculture is being positioned as a pillar of the non-oil economy.

“Our strategy is firmly grounded in developing a robust non-oil economy with agriculture serving as its backbone.”

Growth targets for 2026 were also outlined.

“Overall, real GDP growth will be set at 16.2%. Non-oil economy growth is set at 10.8%. And agriculture, forestry and the fishing sector growth is set at 7.6%.”

On sugar, Mustapha said $13.4 billion has been allocated to modernize and expand the industry.

“This investment will help to modernize our sugar factories, expand value-added production. The industry is moving towards mechanized harvesting.”

He added that the target for 2026 is “a 67.9% growth, a target of 100,041 tons of sugar.”

For rice, he noted that $430 million has been allocated and storage capacity will be expanded.

“The government has set aside $1 billion to build a storage facility so that we can also store farmers’ paddy when there are a lot of paddy in the market.”

He said the rice industry has recorded strong yields.

“We have seen yields up to 6.6 tons per hectare, and we’ll continue to promote high yielding varieties.”

Mustapha highlighted investments in other crops, livestock and fisheries.

“The other crop sector grew by 11.1%… and $3.3 billion has been allocated to this important sector.”

“The livestock sector grew by 12.5%… $1.9 billion is allocated for this important sector.”

“For the fishing sector… $1.5 billion is allocated for that important fishing industry.”

He said agro-processing will receive $745 million to move beyond primary production.

“We have been producing primary products for too long. Now we have to add value to those products.”

Drainage and irrigation were also prioritized.

“The drainage and irrigation have been allocated a budget of $81.9 billion.”

Mustapha pointed to modernization efforts including shade houses, hydroponics farms and laboratories.

“We have the largest hydroponic farms in the Caribbean right here in Guyana.”

“The Tissue Culture Lab is capable of producing a million plantlets… plant disease resistance, pest resistance.”

He also announced a major expansion in coconut cultivation.

“$195 million has been allocated to expand coconut cultivation… by almost 5,000 acres this year.”

New crops such as corn and soya beans are expected to grow.

“We are hoping that corn will grow by 8.9% this year and soya beans… a target of 22.3% in 2026.”

The minister said farmers will also benefit from policy measures with no new taxes.

“All these developments… coming to us against the backdrop without any new taxes.”

He noted that the removal of duties will directly assist farmers and fisherfolk.

“The elimination of taxes for ATVs and outboard engines under 150 horsepower… will greatly benefit our farmers, especially in hinterland communities and our fisher folks.”

Mustapha said a new credit facility through the Guyana Development Bank will support farmers.

“Farmers can go to this bank to get a loan without collaterals, without paying any interest.”

He stressed that agriculture will continue to drive food security and regional leadership.

“Our intent is clear, to build an agriculture sector that leads in regional food security.”

In closing, Mustapha said Budget 2026 reflects a balance between oil growth and diversification.

“The 2026 budget demonstrates our commitment to balance oil-driven growth with diversification while also funding the largest agricultural budget in our country’s history.”

He added: “By implementing policies that put people at the center, we are cultivating an agri-food ecosystem where our communities can prosper and succeed, always putting the needs of our citizens first.”

The post Mustapha says $113.2B allocation will make agriculture “the backbone” of Guyana’s diversification drive appeared first on Sheriff News Network - Guyana.

Government is moving to further strengthen the rice sub-sector through expanded investment, improved infrastructure, and new market opportunities, as part of its production-focused strategy for agriculture, according to Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh.

Addressing the National Assembly on Monday during the Budget presentation, Singh said government’s support to the rice industry over the past five years has resulted in steadily increased production.

“Mister Speaker, we support the rice sub sector with production-focused initiatives that will expand acreage and improve yields. This support has increased production steadily over the last five years,” Singh said.

He outlined several key interventions already implemented, including the distribution of climate-resilient and high-yielding rice varieties, construction of drying floors, expanded research and development, and efforts to promote value-added products and access to export markets.

“Key interventions that we’ve implemented include the distribution of climate resilience and high yielding varieties of rice to improve production and productivity, construction of drying floors, research and value added products, access to export markets and billions of dollars in direct support to farmers and millers,” he told the House.

Singh also highlighted the launch of a crop insurance facility provided at no cost to farmers, noting that Guyana is the first Caribbean country to introduce such a measure.

“We have also, Mister Speaker, launched a crop insurance facility at no cost. I am reminded by my distinguished colleague, the Minister of Agriculture, that we are the first country in the Caribbean to have ever done that,” he said.

Looking ahead, Singh said government plans to invest heavily in the sector over the next five years, with initiatives aimed at strengthening production, storage and value-addition.

“Mister Speaker, over the next five years, we will invest in seed processing facilities. We will establish rice producing clusters. We will promote domestic fertilizer production. We will increase storage capacity through climate-controlled silos, and we will work diligently to secure lucrative markets for paddy and rice,” he said.

He added that government will also develop and market value-added rice-based products.

To kick-start the construction of climate-controlled silos, Singh said $1 billion has been allocated in the 2026 Budget.

“Mister Speaker, just for the commencement of construction of the silos, an amount of $1 billion is provided in this year’s budget,” he said.

Singh also noted that Guyana is actively pursuing new trade opportunities for rice, including discussions with counterparts in Mexico and Europe.

On financial support, the Finance Minister reported that in 2025, excluding fertilizer and paddy subsidies, government spent $430.9 billion to support the rice industry, with an additional $430 million budgeted for the sector in 2026.

The post $1B silo investment, $430M more for rice in 2026 -Dr. Singh appeared first on Sheriff News Network - Guyana.

Guyana’s agriculture sector delivered a strong performance for the first half of 2025, with major improvements in sugar, rice, livestock, and other crop production, even as parts of the fishing industry continued to face challenges. The newly released Bank of Guyana Half-Year Report shows broad-based growth across several key sub-sectors, supported by better infrastructure, expanded acreage, favourable weather, and continued government support.

Sugar recorded one of its strongest turnarounds in recent years. Output jumped by 136.7 per cent to 15,954 tonnes, compared to 6,739 tonnes in the first half of 2024. The report attributes this rebound to rehabilitated infrastructure, new field equipment, ongoing mechanisation, and investments in human capital that helped stabilise operations.

The rice industry also expanded, with production rising by 13.9 per cent to 410,194 tonnes, up from 362,029.5 tonnes one year earlier. Cultivation increased significantly, 96,715 hectares were sown, a 13.8 per cent rise, while 95,788 hectares were harvested, up 13.2 per cent from mid-2024. Higher acreage, improved yields from high-performing varieties, fertiliser distribution, and VAT-exempt agricultural inputs all contributed to the sector’s strong outturn.

However, the fishing industry contracted by 1.9 per cent, mainly due to a steep drop in shrimp production. Small shrimp output fell by 42.3 per cent to 5,486.1 tonnes, while prawn production declined by 58.6 per cent to 34 tonnes. Despite this, fish catches improved by 16.1 per cent.

Livestock production continued its upward trend, with the sub-sector growing by 11.7 per cent. Poultry meat production rose by 12.8 per cent, pork by 8.3 per cent, beef by 7.8 per cent and mutton by 7.0 per cent. Table eggs increased by 2.4 per cent, while milk production climbed by 5.2 per cent.

The “Other Crops” category also posted strong gains, growing by 7.4 per cent. Coconut production surged by 30.3 per cent, helped by increased acreage and the use of Brazilian Green Dwarf seedlings, alongside strong global demand. Beans and cereals rose by 28.9 per cent, root crops by 14.1 per cent, spices by 12.8 per cent, and vegetables by 6.9 per cent, supported by favourable weather. Cole crops, including cauliflower and broccoli, increased by 5.4 per cent. Fruit production grew by 10.1 per cent under similar conditions.

Within the subsector, cocoa stood out with a 42.8 per cent increase, driving an overall 8.6 per cent rise in the “Other Crops” subsector.

The forestry industry also strengthened, expanding by 6.2 per cent. Sawnwood production climbed by 18 per cent, while total log output grew by 2 per cent, supported by higher production of other species and a 2.8 per cent increase in greenheart logs. Roundwood production rose by 5.1 per cent. Firewood and charcoal output increased sharply, by 61.4 per cent and 19 per cent respectively, driven largely by high demand from the construction sector.

Overall, the Bank of Guyana’s report shows an agriculture and forestry sector that is regaining momentum, with strong performances in nearly every major category except shrimp and prawn production.

The post Agriculture, forestry sectors strengthen in first half of 2025 -BoG appeared first on Sheriff News Network - Guyana.

Guyana is preparing to begin flying fresh produce directly from its hinterland communities to CARICOM markets within the next 12 months, a move President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali says will anchor a new “connectivity economy” linking rural producers to regional consumers.

The announcement was made on Sunday during the sod-turning ceremony for the new Bartica Aerodrome Terminal, where the President emphasized that the initiative is far more than a transport upgrade. It represents a structural shift in how Guyana integrates its remote agricultural regions with the wider Caribbean economy.

According to President Ali, connectivity is the foundation of modern development. “Before economies can expand, before opportunities can spread, and before regions can flourish together, they must first be linked physically, digitally, and economically,” he stated. “Connectivity is the backbone of economic development because it links people, goods, services, and ideas.”

Under this new initiative, farmers in Region Seven and surrounding hinterland areas will gain direct access to regional markets, something previously constrained by long distances, multiple transfers, and limited cold-chain options. The government is now working with air operators, regulatory bodies, and logistics planners to design a system capable of moving perishable produce efficiently from interior airstrips to Caribbean destinations.

Officials say the flights will reduce spoilage, cut transport time drastically, and help hinterland farmers command better prices by selling fresh produce into markets that demand faster delivery cycles. For CARICOM countries, the plan offers a reliable new source of high-quality agricultural goods, deepening regional food security cooperation.

The President underscored that the project aligns with Guyana’s broader development agenda: connecting isolated communities, enabling rural entrepreneurship, and strengthening the country’s role as a regional food supplier. With the Bartica Aerodrome Terminal now underway, government engineers and aviation partners are shifting their focus to designing the logistics network that will support the new export route.

Once executed on schedule, Guyana could be dispatching its first direct produce flights to CARICOM within a year, marking a significant milestone in transforming the hinterland into a competitive regional supplier and advancing the Administration’s ambitions for a fully interlinked Caribbean economy.

The post Guyana Moves to Establish First Direct Agricultural Airlift from Interior to CARICOM appeared first on Sheriff News Network - Guyana.

President Dr Irfaan Ali has outlined a sweeping agricultural push that he believes will reshape the rice industry and lift Region Six into a new phase of modern, technology-driven food production. The announcement followed a two-day cabinet outreach in the region, where government met directly with farmers and local stakeholders.

At the heart of the initiative is a major expansion of rice cultivation. Government intends to open an additional 15,000 acres for new planting, using higher-yielding varieties that can deliver between 40 and 45 bags per acre. Beyond that, the President said the long-term goal is to create the infrastructure needed to bring another 75,000 acres into active rice production in Region Six.

To reach that target, Dr Ali explained that government is examining a broad package of measures aimed at lowering production costs and easing farmers’ day-to-day challenges. This includes improvements to roads, dams, storage facilities, canals and drainage networks, as well as better farm-to-market access. The President noted that these upgrades will be supported by plans to expand the seed-processing facility and introduce new systems to make farming more efficient.

However, Dr Ali stressed that the future of agriculture in the region cannot depend solely on rice. He said government is encouraging farmers to set aside one acre out of every ten for diversification, whether through livestock, cage farming or high-yielding alternative crops. That, he explained, is meant to build long-term resilience and broaden the revenue base for farming communities.

Technology and modernisation are also central to the plan. The President announced that extension services will soon operate on a 24-hour basis, supported by digital tools and precision-agriculture systems provided through the Ministry of Agriculture.

A new information matrix and a “Palm App” will give farmers access to educational materials, real-time guidance and direct communication with extension officers from their smartphones. This digital platform will be linked to the government’s wider service-delivery system to ensure proper monitoring, accountability and quick responses in the field.

Despite global challenges and fluctuations in the rice market, Guyana continues to post strong production numbers. The country is on track to produce 820,000 metric tonnes of rice. Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has already stated that government’s aim is to push Guyana toward producing one million tonnes in the coming years and solidify its place as one of the region’s leading food suppliers.

The momentum is already visible in the data. In the first half of 2025, the rice sector grew by 13.9 per cent. GRDB figures show that 410,194 tonnes of rice equivalent were produced between January and June this year, up from 362,030 tonnes in the same period of 2024. Officials credit the rise to favourable weather and stable yields, with the first crop of 2025 averaging 6.6 tonnes per hectare, matching 2024’s performance.

That upward trend has been steady for the past four years. The first crop of 2020 averaged 5.7 tonnes per hectare, gradually climbing to 6.6 tonnes by 2024. Total annual production has followed a similar path, moving from 559,789 tonnes in 2021 to 610,595 tonnes in 2022, and 653,706 tonnes in 2023.

With government now doubling down on expansion, infrastructure and technology, the rice industry, already one of Guyana’s strongest pillars, appears headed into its most ambitious phase yet.

The post Gov’t targets 75,000 new acres as Pres Ali unveils plan for rice expansion appeared first on Sheriff News Network - Guyana.

As part of ongoing efforts to advance Guyana’s sustainable development agenda, the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, in collaboration with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), and the Ministry of Agriculture, today launched the country’s first official Agri-Tourism Policy at Gobins’ Farm and Kitchen.

This milestone comes as Guyana observes Tourism Awareness Month 2025 and marks a major step in strengthening the linkages between agriculture and tourism.

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Hon. Susan Rodrigues, delivered remarks highlighting the transformative potential of agri-tourism and the importance of the new policy in expanding opportunities for rural communities, farmers, and tourism stakeholders. She emphasised that agri-tourism supports food security, fosters entrepreneurship, and deepens visitor engagement by showcasing Guyana’s rich agricultural heritage.

Also delivering remarks were Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, Hon. Vikash Ramkissoon; Country Representative of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), Wilmot Garnett; Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Kamrul Baksh; and Proprietor of Gobins’ Farm and Kitchen, Dr. Vilas Gobin.

This launch provided an opportunity to spotlight the innovation taking place in the sector and reaffirm the government’s commitment to empowering farmers, enriching visitor experiences, and promoting sustainable, community-driven development. Next steps include seeking Cabinet’s approval of the policy and strong, on-the-ground support from the GTA to drive nationwide implementation.

The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce extends appreciation to all partners and stakeholders who continue to support Guyana’s tourism growth and the advancement of agri-tourism nationwide.

The post Agri-Tourism Policy Launched at Gobins’ Farm and Kitchen appeared first on Sheriff News Network - Guyana.

Within the livestock sector, the government is making a pronounced play to shift the profitability of sheep and mutton production, into a growth engine. Central to this effort is the introduction of the Black Belly sheep breed (imported from Barbados) under a broader livestock expansion strategy anchored in food-security and export ambition.

Launched in March 2022 in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), the project came with a reported investment of approximately US$3 million (Approx G $600 million) and aims to position Region Five as “the livestock capital of CARICOM”. Officials estimate that the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) market imports about 7,900 tonnes of mutton annually at a value around US$48 million.

This move sees to reduce reliance on imported mutton and lamb (largely from Australia and New Zealand), build domestic capacity, capture regional value, and generate jobs. By August 2022, 132 Black Belly sheep (112 ewes and 20 rams) had arrived in Guyana under the initial phase of the breed introduction. The government has also instituted social-inclusion goals with targets like that of 20 % of farms in the program led by women, and 35 % involve youth (aged 35 and under).

An initiative such as this aligns well with Guyana’s broader objective of reducing food-import expenditure, increasing agribusiness value-added activities, and diversifying the economy beyond its growing oil-and-gas sector.

The post Mutton A Top Priority For Livestock Sector appeared first on Sheriff News Network - Guyana.

Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha announced that he will be meeting with rice millers soon to discuss increasing the price for paddy. He made this statement during the launch of Nano fertiliser in Region Five on Wednesday.

Currently, some millers in Essequibo are paying $2,300 per bag of paddy, while those in Region Six are paying between $2,800 and $3,000 per bag. To support these prices, the Government of Guyana and the millers have entered into an agreement that backs each bag of paddy sold by farmers.

“I am continuing to meet with millers with the optimism that we will have an increase,’’ he said.

The Minister emphasised that he has been in constant discussions with millers across the country to secure better prices for paddy.

He also pointed out that the price of paddy in the global market has declined significantly.

“We will continue to fight for an increase in price for the farmers. We will support you all,” the Minister stated.

The post Minister Mustapha optimistic about increased paddy price appeared first on Sheriff News Network - Guyana.