Min Mustapha Assures Farmers of Strong Agriculture Support
December 18 2025
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha today engaged farmers and residents in Parika, Windsor Forest and surrounding areas, as part of the Government’s ongoing Cabinet outreach in Region Three, outlining a development plan aimed at modernising agriculture, strengthening food security, and improving livelihoods.
During the outreach sessions, residents raised several concerns including the regularisation of land titles, the need for improved markets for farmers, the establishment of police outposts, better access roads, animal control on farmlands, and enhanced drainage and irrigation systems.
In response, Minister Mustapha detailed a series of planned interventions for the region, noting that farmers will benefit from upgraded infrastructure, improved farm-to-market roads, expanded drainage networks, and new agricultural facilities.
He emphasised that the Government intends to achieve accelerated development, projecting that progress typically seen over 15 years will be realised within the next five years through focused investment and coordinated planning.
The minister expressed optimism about the upcoming national budget, indicating that increased resources will continue to be channelled into agriculture.
He said efforts will remain centred on working closely with farmers, modernising infrastructure, and upgrading operational systems across the sector.
Minister Mustapha highlighted improvements in rice production, attributing recent increases to the use of better seed varieties and improved farming practices.
He also pointed to ongoing diversification within the sector, noting that Guyana is steadily positioning itself as a leader in food security both locally and within the Caribbean.
Addressing broader national priorities, the minister underscored the Government’s focus on climate resilience and energy security, assuring farmers that agriculture remains a central pillar of Guyana’s long-term development vision.
As part of the expansion plans, Minister Mustapha announced that 12 tunnel houses will be constructed across Regions Three, each capable of housing approximately 40,000 chickens, significantly boosting poultry production.
He also confirmed that a cassava processing mill will be established in Parika to support value-added production and expand cassava-based products.
The minister further noted that locally produced agricultural goods are increasingly present on supermarket shelves across the Caribbean, reflecting growth in production capacity and regional market access.
Farmers who attended the engagement welcomed the plans and expressed appreciation for the continued support, committing to work closely with the Ministry to advance agricultural development in the region.
Minister Mustapha was accompanied by Member of Parliament Suresh Singh, Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture Dhaneshwar Deonarine, Permanent Secretary Daun Ellis, and other ministry officials.
