The transformation of Guyana’s food system is expected to take centre stage at the United Nations (UN) Food Systems Summit scheduled for September 2021. This revelation came to the fore during a meeting that was virtually held today regarding preparations for the event.
During the meeting that was facilitated by Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, he was keen to note that agriculture has a key role to play in transforming the food system of the new oil-producing State. But if there is to be any success in this regard, the Minister categorically stated that a holistic approach is needed. A key part of this approach he said, entails government working to reduce farm and post-harvest waste and loss.
Expounding on this front he said, “We will seek to reduce on-farm and post-harvest food waste and loss by promoting the adaptation of harvesting, post-harvest and storage technologies that reduce food loss. Notably, we are also addressing the issue of food safety through the now established Guyana Food Safety Authority…COVID 19 has exposed the vulnerability of food production and distribution systems, especially to the most vulnerable and rural population.”
The Minister added, “It has had direct and indirect impacts on the livelihoods of farmers, fishers, vendors of agriculture inputs, food traders; and has exacerbated other challenges such as the threat of climate change. Therefore, building resilience to vulnerabilities, shocks, and stress is necessary to address these challenges that threaten a sustainable food system.”
In the coming years, the Minister said that the government will strive to ensure all activities of the respective sectors and subsectors, particularly the agriculture sector, are geared towards achieving a more sustainable agri-food system. In this respect, the Minister said, “We envision a modernized e-agriculture sector with enhanced incomes, enhanced productivity, value-addition, increased market access, and the production of safe and nutritious agricultural commodities that Guyana will produce for itself and the global market.”
Mustapha said the government believes these actions will achieve the long-term transformation that is needed for an oil-based economy.
