Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha was keen to assure today that the PPP/C Government has an unwavering interest in ensuring food security in Amerindian villages hence the expenditure of over $2B towards this end.
The Member of Parliament made this disclosure as he addressed Toshaos, members of Senior Councils, and other invitees at the National Toshao Council Meeting at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, Liliendaal.
Minister Mustapha stressed that the Ministry of Agriculture is committed to the development of all regions and villages in Guyana, while adding that each region has its own competitive advantage. He said, “The Ministry of Agriculture will capitalize on this to expand production in each region. For instance, in Region One, the spices—turmeric and ginger—have been successful, and in Region Nine we have seen successes in cattle, rice, mango, peanuts, and orchard crops.”
He further noted that his ministry has placed food security in the hinterland as a priority within national development initiatives.
“Through the Ministry of Agriculture agencies, we have and will continue to establish demonstration sites, supply planting material, provide improved livestock breeds, supply free Acoushi ants bait, shade houses in various Regions, fogging machines, increase access to technical and advisory services, and assist with product development and marketing,” expressed Mustapha.
He also informed stakeholders that the Ministry, through Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) will be distributing 25 Black Giant Chickens to 2000 households by the end of October 2022.
Since taking office in August 2020 to June 2022, the Ministry of Agriculture has spent over G$2 billion in Amerindian Villages across Guyana. Mustapha has also visited 63 communities, whilst his technical officers and agencies under his purview have provided free services to over 200 villages.
