In commemoration of World Food Day 2023, Guyana came together at the Georgetown Cricket Club, Bourda, to highlight the pivotal role of water in agriculture and sustaining life.
Under the theme “Water is Life; Water is Food, Leave no one behind,” the event underscored the significance of safeguarding water resources for food security and development.
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha emphasized that agriculture stands as the cornerstone of Guyana’s prosperity, and ensuring food security relies on safeguarding essential ingredients, with fresh water being paramount.
He noted that discussions at the event centered on water’s vital role in agriculture, aligning with the government’s 25 by 2025 initiative.
Minister Mustapha further highlighted the need for a dual focus on sustainable water resource systems and effective water management, emphasizing that individual responsibility in water conservation is equally crucial.
He urged, “On this World Food Day, let us renew our pledge to harness the power of water, to nourish our people and our planet.”
The World Food Day celebration also included an exhibition featuring various agencies integral to food production in Guyana, such as the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), and the Rice Board, among others.
The event served as a platform for stakeholders to recommit themselves to sustainable agricultural practices, highlighting the pivotal role water plays in fostering food security, not just for today, but for the generations to come.