By Saskia Warrick
The inaugural crop of millets in Guyana has been successfully harvested this week, marking the beginning of a promising venture in the country’s agriculture sector.
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha announced that approximately 530 hectares of millets were cultivated, yielding an impressive 1.8 tonnes per hectare.
Millets, known for their nutritional richness in proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fibers, offer significant potential for both human consumption and livestock feed.
Minister Mustapha emphasized that millet production will not only supplement local diets but also bolster the livestock industry, providing a sustainable source of feed.
Moreover, the resilience of millet crops to adverse weather conditions positions them as a valuable asset in Guyana’s agricultural landscape.
Minister Mustapha anticipates the cultivation of a second crop in the near future, leveraging the adaptability and productivity of millets.
The introduction of millet cultivation opens up new avenues for economic advancement, offering farmers additional opportunities for income generation and diversification.
As Guyana continues to explore high-value crops, preparations are already underway for the cultivation of chickpeas (channa) in the Berbice River region, further enhancing the country’s agricultural potential.
With the successful harvest of the first millet crop, Guyana is poised to capitalize on the agricultural diversity and resilience necessary for sustainable development and food security.