On Wednesday, the Honorable Zulfikar Mustapha, MP, visited Lethem, Region 9, to address the South Rupununi Development Council Statutory meeting.
The minister underscored the government’s ongoing commitment to the development of the Hinterland.
He emphasized the government’s consistent annual budgetary increases and strategic work plans designed to benefit the residents of Region 9.
The agricultural sector plays a pivotal role in this development.
Minister Mustapha informed the assembly that, under the directive of His Excellency President Dr. Irfaan Ali, 35% of all agricultural projects implemented by the government must include participation from women and youth.
The Agriculture Entrepreneur Innovation Program (AEIP) will collaborate with youth in the hinterland to establish startup business packages. These packages encompass business management and leadership training, equipment, and other essential resources.
The Ministry of Agriculture plans to modernize the Region by establishing additional agro-processing facilities, thereby further empowering residents. The minister stated that the government, through the Guyana Marketing Corporation, will secure markets for value-added products originating from Region 9.
He conveyed to the gathering, to significant applause, that the residents of Region 9 and other Hinterland communities have a steadfast ally in the government, specifically the People’s Progressive Party Administration.
Residents were encouraged to continue cultivating their lands to contribute to the forthcoming food hub.
The Honorable Minister highlighted the imperative of climate-smart agriculture.
The engaged audience was encouraged to increase cassava production to be processed into by products.
Region 9 is also slated to benefit from other agricultural sector developments occurring nationwide. These include, but are not limited to, cage culture, and meat and dairy production.
The Minister further noted that the Guyana School of Agriculture will be transformed into a center of excellence, developing farms specifically for individuals with disabilities, which these individuals will manage.
The Honorable Minister also announced that each of the five sub-districts will receive an excavator. Additionally, every village will be provided with a shade house facility to foster smart agriculture.
Two solar-powered cold storage facilities will be allocated to the region.
The region can be assured of the government’s continued support.
The minister presented residents with three new tractors, fertilizers, seeds, chemicals, baby chicks, and various farming tools.
Minister Mustapha was joined by the Honorable Sarah Browne, Minister of Amerindian Affairs, who also affirmed her ministry’s ongoing support for Hinterland development.
The minister presented several checks to villages and a new minibus.
Also present were Dhaneshwar Deonarine, Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, the Regional Chair, the Regional Executive Officer, other regional officials, and Ministry of Agriculture staff.
