By Josiah Williams | October 1, 2024
The Government of Guyana is ramping up efforts toward achieving self-sufficiency in egg and poultry production through the establishment of agricultural innovation centres across all regions.
The project, aimed at bolstering food security, was announced by President Dr. Irfaan Ali during a recent breakfast meeting with young people in Region 5.
President Ali highlighted that each innovation centre will operate on a compact 5-acre plot, providing youth with access to legal and technical support from the Ministry of Agriculture.
This initiative will assist participants in securing financing, establishing their businesses, and benefiting from training and development opportunities.
“We want every region to have a major facility under this Agri Innovation Programme that leads to self-sufficiency in eggs and chicken,” said President Ali.
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha noted that Guyana has already made significant progress, with egg production rising from 27,000 last year to 94,000 in the first half of 2024.
The long-term goal is for the nation to fully meet its domestic demand for eggs and poultry, further supported by the Guyana Livestock Development Authority.
Representatives from the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) and Demerara Bank also participated in the discussions, expressing their commitment to financing the initiative.
The project not only promises to reduce imports but also aims to empower young entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector.