Guyana Launches First-Ever Nano-Technology Fertilizer, Ushering in New Era for Agriculture
In another significant leap toward modernizing Guyana’s agriculture sector, Agriculture Minister Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha on Wednesday launched Guyana’s first-ever nano-technology fertilizer at the Burma Rice Research Station, Mahaicony.
The launch represents another key step in the government’s mission to enhance productivity, reduce input costs, and promote sustainable farming practices across the country.
Speaking at the event, Minister Mustapha underscored that the introduction of nano fertilizers marks a new era in Guyana’s rice cultivation and agricultural innovation.
“The Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), in partnership with the Government of Guyana and our hardworking rice farmers, is leading a revolution in rice production in Guyana. Investments, increased farmer engagement, and other timely interventions have resulted in increased yield in Guyana’s rice industry,” he explained.
The introduction of nano fertilizers in Guyana began in mid-2022, following a collaboration between the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) of India. Early trials included various nano formulations such as Boron, DAP, NPK, and a growth-promoting NPK blend.
This partnership deepened after the Honourable Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo’s visit to India in early 2023, where a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Government of Guyana and TERI to advance sustainable agricultural practices in Guyana. Acting on the Vice President’s directive, the testing of Nano Urea was prioritized and initiated at the Burma Rice Research Station, where demonstration trials have been successfully conducted over four crop seasons since April 2023.
