Guyana’s sugar industry witnessed an extraordinary 28% surge in production during the year 2023, as revealed in the Agriculture Ministry’s year-end press conference.
The government’s investment of $8.1 billion in 2022 played a pivotal role in this achievement, resulting in a substantial growth from 47,049 metric tonnes in the previous year to an additional 13,555 tonnes in 2023.
A significant milestone for the sector was the reopening of the Rose Hall Sugar Estate in September 2023, contributing significantly to the overall boost in sugar production.
Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha, highlighted that 54% of sugar production was marketed as packaged sugar in 2023, up from 48% in 2022.
The minister emphasized the positive impact on livelihoods within the industry, stating that the increased production led to a resurgence in the workforce.
Looking ahead, the Agriculture Ministry plans to continue this growth trajectory by converting over 5,000 hectares of land for mechanization in harvesting and loading processes over the next two years.
Minister Mustapha revealed the interest and support from countries like India, the Dominican Republic, and Guadeloupe in assisting Guyana to further improve and enhance its sugar industry.
The substantial increase in sugar production signifies the success of government investments and efforts to revitalize the sugar sector, contributing to Guyana’s economic development.