By Kristin Josiah
In an effort to modernize the agricultural sector and improve economic opportunities for young people, the government has rolled out a comprehensive initiative in Region Three, benefitting approximately 40 youths.
The program, launched by President Dr. Irfaan Ali during a recent engagement at Pyramid Restaurant and Pub, La Jalousie, aims to provide both agricultural and housing support to the region’s youth.
As part of the initiative, the Ministry of Agriculture has allocated five acres of land in the region to establish a state-of-the-art poultry farm.
This high-tech agricultural tunnel house will form the foundation for a $50 million poultry production facility, capable of producing 45,000 chickens per crop.
The project will be co-funded by the youths, who will collectively contribute $10 million, with an additional $40 million in financing provided by the banking sector at preferential interest rates as low as 4.5%.
Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, announced that groundwork for the project would begin immediately, with the young participants expected to see returns on their investments by the end of the year.
This initiative forms part of a broader government effort to encourage youth participation in agribusiness and to modernize the country’s agricultural practices.
In addition to the agriculture initiative, President Ali introduced a homeownership program targeting low to moderate-income young people in Region Three.
This housing initiative aims to make it easier for young individuals to own homes, providing them with affordable housing options and financing opportunities.
The announcement follows a similar engagement President Ali held with athletes in Georgetown, where he presented plans for dual agriculture and housing support aimed at empowering the nation’s youth.