By Josiah Williams
Guyana is set to achieve significant savings in food imports, with President Dr. Irfaan Ali announcing plans to ramp up production of key crops such as onions, corn, and beans.
This initiative is expected to result in an annual reduction of over 150 million US dollars in the country’s food import bill.
During a meeting with local private sector members, President Ali highlighted the importance of boosting domestic agricultural production to reduce reliance on imports.
He emphasized that as Guyana increases its output of onions, beans, and other crops, there will be a corresponding decrease in the need for imported produce.
President Ali underscored that this shift towards self-sufficiency will not only benefit Guyana but also position the country as a key supplier to the entire Caribbean region.
Additionally, he emphasized plans to cut electricity costs by 50%, which would significantly reduce manufacturing expenses.
The President encouraged regional producers to consider partnering with Guyana to establish manufacturing facilities in the country.
Furthermore, President Ali mentioned advancements in other sectors, including agriculture and apiculture.
A new variety of cassava has been cultivated, yielding 30 tonnes per hectare, with plans to export it to specialized markets as farine or cassava flour.
Additionally, a national honey bank is in the works to store honey produced by various communities across Guyana.
The government will provide support in the form of equipment, materials, and technical expertise for this initiative.
These developments align with Guyana’s broader efforts to bolster its agricultural sector, promote self-sufficiency, and reduce dependence on food imports, thereby bolstering the nation’s economy and food security.