A state-of-the-art abattoir worth $600 million has been completed in Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice, Region Five, marking an important step in modernizing Guyana’s meat processing capabilities to meet international standards. This new facility is expected to open up new markets for Guyana’s beef industry.
The project, funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), will serve as the primary slaughtering facility for cattle in Guyana, with Region Five poised to become a central hub for the country’s cattle sector.
Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, highlighted the importance of this project during a recent event. “They conducted a test recently, and some modifications are needed by the contractor. Once those are completed, I will proceed with the commissioning shortly,” he stated.
Minister Mustapha noted that the abattoir will not only enhance income opportunities for many cattle farmers but also create additional employment opportunities. This facility aligns with the government’s efforts over the past four years to increase meat production and reduce dependence on meat imports.
In addition to the new abattoir, the government is undertaking several initiatives to bolster the livestock sector. These include cultivating corn and soybeans and implementing artificial insemination (AI) techniques in cattle to improve breeding stock quality.
These measures are part of a broader strategy to make Guyana self-sufficient in meat production and strengthen food security both locally and across the region.
