By Celestine Chacon
President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has introduced a groundbreaking Agriculture Modernization Initiative, which aims to empower young professionals, including athletes, to become entrepreneurs in the agriculture sector.
The initiative was announced during an impromptu breakfast meeting with the first cohort of 27 young men who will benefit from the government’s support.
President Ali emphasized the significance of this project, highlighting its potential to create sustainable businesses.
He committed to assisting the group in establishing tunnel houses for poultry farming, which could generate an annual revenue of up to $25 million per tunnel, after accounting for expenses.
The young professionals will pool their resources to complement a $40 million loan from the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI).
The government will provide land, training, and technical support through the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure the success of the project.
President Ali stressed that this initiative is part of a nationwide effort to foster youth entrepreneurship, with similar projects planned for other regions, including the East Coast, East Bank, West Coast, and West Bank, as well as for women.
In addition to the agricultural program, eight athletes will receive assistance from GBTI to acquire homes under the Young Professional Housing Scheme.