By Saskia Warrick, NCN News – December 30, 2024
The agriculture sector in Guyana has experienced growth and transformation in most areas, with one notable exception: sugar production.
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha revealed at his year-end press conference that sugar production has fallen short of expectations, with just over 47,000 tons produced, marking a decline of more than 20% from previous targets.
Minister Mustapha expressed dissatisfaction with these results, noting that if such shortfalls continue, stern measures would be implemented, including potential management changes at GuySuCo (Guyana Sugar Corporation) in the coming year.
Despite these challenges, Mustapha remains optimistic about the sector’s future.
He pointed to the introduction of new farming practices and varieties aimed at boosting production.
Additionally, the government has enlisted technical experts from India and Cuba to assist GuySuCo.
These experts are providing support in key areas such as mechanical and electrical engineering, agronomy, and technology to improve overall production output.