AGRI Min, ExxonMobil Team Visit Fort Wellington Hydroponic Farm Project
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, accompanied by representatives from ExxonMobil Guyana, visited the construction site of the Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme (AIEP) Hydroponic Farm at Fort Wellington, West Coast Berbice recently.
The project is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to transform the agricultural landscape in Guyana.
During the visit, Minister Mustapha emphasized the importance of the initiative in reducing the regional food import bill, producing high-quality, value-added crops, and encouraging greater youth participation in agriculture.
He stated that the Fort Wellington hydroponic facility is a step forward in our commitment to modernizing agriculture and equipping young people with the skills needed for sustainable agribusiness.
He further disclosed that the Fort Wellington site is on track to become fully operational within two months. Construction of two additional hydroponic facilities, located in Regions Two and Ten, is set to commence in the coming week.
The AIEP Hydroponic Farm initiative was launched last year during the Agri-Investment Forum and Expo by H.E. President Dr. Irfaan Ali, in collaboration with ExxonMobil Guyana, Hess Corporation, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited. The US$4.5 million project aims to construct three state-of-the-art hydroponic farms in Regions Two, Five, and Ten.
This transformative initiative seeks to empower over 1,000 youths, equipping them with the tools and knowledge needed to excel in sustainable agriculture and agribusiness. By leveraging hydroponics—a method of growing crops without soil—the program underscores the government’s commitment to advancing innovation in agriculture and addressing food security challenges in the region.
The Fort Wellington facility, along with its counterparts, is expected to play a pivotal role in reshaping the agricultural sector, fostering economic growth, and promoting sustainability across Guyana.
