By Samuel Gillis
In a groundbreaking development for agricultural education in Guyana, the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) has been gifted a state-of-the-art greenhouse by Global Affairs Canada.
The innovative greenhouse is equipped with hydroponics and aquaculture facilities, marking a significant step forward in sustainable farming practices.
The official handing-over ceremony took place at the GSA campus in Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, underscoring the importance of empowering women and youth through climate-smart agriculture technologies.
The greenhouse is designed to impart knowledge on climate-resilient agricultural production, thereby ensuring food security and creating employment opportunities for the beneficiaries.
Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, emphasized the pivotal role of the initiative in advancing Guyana’s strategic vision for regional food security and the empowerment of women and youth.
He highlighted the greenhouse’s capacity to simultaneously cultivate nearly 5,000 plantlets while rearing fish, providing hands-on training in precision agriculture techniques.
Additionally, Minister Mustapha expressed his intention to collaborate with agricultural organizations to extend training opportunities to farmers, promoting the adoption of best practices.
Canadian High Commissioner Mark Berman reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to supporting efficiency and climate resilience in the agriculture sector.
He stressed the importance of harnessing climate-smart agriculture practices for sustainable development and global food security.
Through initiatives like EnGenDER, Canada has been providing substantial support to Caribbean countries, including Guyana, since 2020.
These efforts aim to address the impact of climate change across various sectors, including agriculture, fisheries, health, tourism, and energy, while prioritizing the economic resilience of smallholder farmers, especially women and youth.
The greenhouse donated by Canada represents a significant investment in Guyana’s agricultural education and sustainability efforts.
It is poised to play a crucial role in training the next generation of farmers and fostering innovation in agricultural practices.