Guyana’s agriculture sector is proving to be more than just a source of food production, it is now a key driver of growth in the manufacturing industry.

At the Annual General Meeting of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha highlighted the strong link between farming and industrial expansion.

Agriculture, manufacturing and services are no longer operating independently. Instead, they are forming integrated value chains that are transforming Guyana’s economy.

With increased agricultural production, local manufacturers are benefiting from a steady supply of raw materials, supporting the growth of agro-processing, food production and export.

“Our farmers supply the raw material that sustain agro-processors, food manufacturers and exporters,” he said.

To strengthen this link, the government has allocated $113.2 billion to the agriculture sector in 2026. 

Minister Mustapha noted that over the past five years, the government has invested heavily in agro-processing, with facilities being established across both coastal and hinterland regions. These developments, he stated, are helping to extend shelf-life of products, reduce waste, create more value-added goods for local and regional markets. 

“Much of this growth in the manufacturing sector is driven by agriculture, as I said, as agriculture continues to contribute tremendously to our country’s development. In addition to processing facilities, new investment in coal storage, transportation and packaging are strengthening the entire supply chain, making it easier for manufacturers to scale production,” he noted.

As output increases, so too does demand for services such as logistics, finance and technology, further reinforcing agriculture’s central role in economic development.