Agriculture sector being transformed with significant investments, innovative techniques

THE Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali – led Administration continues to place emphasis on bolstering the nation’s productive sector, with a primary focus on agriculture.

The administration recognises the critical role agriculture plays in meeting the increasing demand for food in Guyana and the region.

And so, it is investing heavily in agricultural research, technology, and infrastructure, to improve the efficiency and productivity of farmers, as well as reduce the impact of climate change on the food sector.

“Our government is channeling our energy and resources to Guyanese in every area and is giving greater importance to our productive sector, especially agriculture, in an effort to meet the current food demands in Guyana as well as the Region,” Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, has said.

This is evident in his recent commitment to the introduction of shade house farming at Moblissa, along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway and Block 42, Region Ten.

“I will ask NAREI [National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute] to build a small shade house nursery like what we are doing for the people along West Coast Berbice so that you can have your own planting materials,” the minister told residents during a recent visit.

The innovative farming technique helps to improve light diffusion, ventilation and decreases summer heat for plants.

Importantly, shade houses provide the best growing condition for plants and minimise irrigating and fertilising cost.

For example, President Ali’s introduction of the Agriculture Innovative and Entrepreneurship Programme