By Saskia Warrick
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has addressed concerns about a potential sugar shortage in Guyana, clarifying that there will be no scarcity of sugar on the local market.
Despite challenges such as the El Nino phenomenon and production issues at Albion Estate due to a fire, Minister Mustapha assured that measures are in place to maintain supply.
The minister explained that the darker color of the sugar currently available is not indicative of a shortage.
He emphasized that there are systems in place to ensure a steady supply of sugar.
Additionally, Minister Mustapha responded firmly to opposition queries regarding the reopening schedule for other estates, defending the government’s handling of the situation.
Since the revival of the sugar industry, Guyana has seen a 28% growth in production last year, with a projected 66% increase for this year.
The country is also exporting sugar to international markets at a rate of $750 per tonne.