MoA Launches AIEP Pepper Jelly, Showcasing Youth Innovation in Agri-Business
June 10 2025
The Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme (AIEP), officially launched the AIEP Pepper Jelly on Monday at the Massy Mega Store in MovieTowne.
The new product marks a milestone in Guyana’s push toward agricultural innovation and youth empowerment.
The AIEP Pepper Jelly, crafted from high-value crops grown using climate-smart farming practices, represents the latest achievement under the AIEP initiative, which was conceptualized by President Dr. Irfaan Ali in 2022.
The programme is designed to promote agri-entrepreneurship among young Guyanese while advancing food sustainability and reducing import dependency.
Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha, who led the launch, highlighted the significance of the AIEP in fostering a culture of innovation, resilience, and self-reliance in agriculture.
Since its inception, the programme has led to the production of several high-value crops, including broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, carrots, bell peppers, tomatoes, chili peppers, parsley, and celery.
The launch event also underscored the importance of private sector collaboration in advancing national development. Massy Stores, a key retail partner, has played a vital role in bringing AIEP products to market.
Assistant Vice President of Massy Stores, Ms. Shalini Thakur-Jagdeo, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting Guyanese agriculture by providing shelf space for locally produced goods. The initiative aligns with the country’s broader goals of enhancing food security and reducing the national food import bill by 25% by 2030.
The AIEP Pepper Jelly is now available at Massy Mega Store, offering consumers a locally made, innovative product while also supporting young agri-entrepreneurs. The launch is seen as a step forward in transforming Guyana’s agricultural sector through entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable practices.
