AGRI MIN Defends $1.38 Trillion Budget, Highlights Key Agricultural Investments
January 28 2025- In a passionate presentation during today’s budget debates in the National Assembly, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha endorsed the proposed $1.38 trillion Budget 2025, emphasizing its transformative potential for Guyana’s economy and future.
Minister Mustapha highlighted that the budget allocates $104.6 billion to advance agricultural development and strengthen food security, positioning the sector as a cornerstone of the nation’s progress.
He posited that Budget 2025 is forward-thinking, setting a strategic direction for the country’s economic growth – one that aims to reshape Guyana’s future, which would lay the foundation for the PPP/C Government’s next term, spanning from 2025 to 2030 and beyond.
He noted that Budget 2025 is more than just a plan for the upcoming year; it is a vision for the future “It is one for all Guyanese, regardless of class, ethnicity, or political affiliation… Guyana is charting a path to economic prosperity that will benefit every single citizen of our country.”
Addressing Opposition Criticism and Agricultural Sector Performance
Minister Mustapha responded to criticisms from Opposition Parliamentarian Vinceroy Jordan about the agriculture sector’s performance, pointing to what he described as a legacy of neglect under the APNU/AFC government.
“They destroyed the agriculture sector in this country,” he said, citing a decline in sugar production from 231,071 metric tonnes in 2015 to 92,256 metric tonnes by 2019—a 60% drop.
He also condemned the closure of four sugar factories and the seizure of farmers’ lands during the opposition’s tenure.
“I want to assure the farmers whose lands were taken away that the People’s Progressive Party Civic government will once again give you back your lands,” Minister Mustapha declared. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting all workers, including those in the sugar industry.
Investments in Sugar and Rice Sectors
Despite challenges posed by climate change, the government has mechanized 40% of cultivation lands and allocated $40 billion to revive the sugar sector. Minister Mustapha expressed optimism that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) would meet its target of 101,000 metric tonnes of sugar this year.
In the rice industry, Guyana has achieved record-breaking production levels, exceeding 700,000 metric tonnes in 2024. With continued investments, rice production is projected to surpass 804,000 metric tonnes this year, with 235,000 acres already cultivated.
Minister Mustapha also highlighted efforts to recover lost markets, such as Panama, which had left farmers owed $1.7 billion under the previous administration. He noted that the current government resolved the issue, paying farmers within six months of regaining office.
Innovations and Regional Food Security
New initiatives in the agriculture sector include the construction of a feed mill, vannamei prawn production, marine cage culture, and the Black Belly Sheep Project, which has benefited over 175 farmers and doubled production. These projects, along with traditional agricultural activities, support Guyana’s leadership in the Caribbean’s 25 by 25 food security agenda.
He added that Guyana has reclaimed its position in Caribbean agriculture, emphasizing that ongoing investments ensure the country’s role in securing regional food supply and economic growth.
