12,000 Acres of Corn and Soya Cultivated in Guyana This Year
December 31 2024 – Guyanese farmers successfully cultivated 12,000 acres of corn and soya in 2024, a significant milestone for the country’s agriculture sector.
This was announced during the year-end press conference yesterday at the Ministry of Agriculture’s head office on Regent Street, Minister Zulfikar Mustapha commended the achievement while emphasizing plans for substantial growth in 2025.
The minister revealed that the government aims to expand production to 25,000 acres, grown twice annually, to meet the country’s self-sufficiency needs. This expansion aligns with Guyana’s broader strategy to reduce reliance on imports and bolster food security.
To support this vision, the government has made significant investments in the Tacama Savannah area, located along the Berbice River.
Key developments include the construction of over 40 kilometers of road and the erection of an 18,000-tonne silo. Additionally, a new wharf and conveying system are under construction to facilitate the efficient transfer of corn and soya to ships for export markets.
Minister Mustapha posited that infrastructural improvements are critical to ensuring the effective storage, processing, and transportation of our agricultural produce.
In addition to corn and soya, the government is intensifying efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in bean production, focusing on black-eyed and red beans. The agriculture sector has earmarked 2,000 acres of land for this project, with land preparation and limestone application already completed.
To support bean cultivation, a 15,000-tonne storage silo has been procured, and 32 kilometers of road have been constructed. With 200 hectares of beans ready to be sown, Minister Mustapha announced that the first harvest is expected as early as March 2025.
The minister stated that these initiatives are part of an aggressive push to make Guyana self-sufficient in key agricultural products by the end of next year.
The government’s comprehensive approach, including infrastructure development and the introduction of high-yield crops, aims to position Guyana as a leader in regional food security while creating opportunities for export growth.
The Ministry of Agriculture’s efforts reflect the country’s commitment to sustainable agricultural development and its potential to become a hub for regional and international markets.
