Guyana is on track to increase efficiencies regarding its food security objectives, thanks to a $100 million invested in the modernization of a soil chemical services laboratory at the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) in Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara.
This state-of-the-art facility, funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) through the Ministry of Agriculture’s Sustainable Agricultural Development Programme (SADP), is designed to improve soil management and boost crop production across the nation.
The newly upgraded laboratory is equipped with advanced technology that will enable farmers to identify which soils are best suited for specific crops, ensuring optimal growth and productivity. By providing precise soil analysis, the facility will empower farmers to make informed decisions on crop selection and soil management.
Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, highlighted the laboratory’s critical role in Guyana’s agricultural transformation during the commissioning ceremony. He stated, “The rehabilitation of the soil laboratory is a prime example of how innovation and technology are at the heart of our agricultural transformation…We have allocated over $57 million to completely modernise this facility.”
In support of this modernization, the government also invested $26.2 million in an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) earlier this year. This advanced equipment will play a crucial role in detecting essential elements in soil samples, enhancing the lab’s capacity to deliver accurate soil testing services.
In a brief comment this morning with the Guyana Standard, Mustapha said this is a development he is most proud of, adding that it will allow farmers to receive results within two to three days. In some instances, results could even be received the same day.
The Director General at the Ministry of Agriculture, Madanlall Ramraj, also emphasized the lab’s importance at the launch event, noting that it will help farmers make data-driven decisions about fertilizer use, crop selection, and soil management practices. He noted that Guyana is committed to leveraging technology to reduce manual labour in agriculture and improve efficiency.
The IDB’s General Manager of the Country Department of the Caribbean, Anton Edmunds, also reaffirmed the bank’s support for these initiatives, stating, “A primary focus of our investments is to enhance Guyana’s agricultural research and extension system. This is crucial for supporting farmers and achieving the national and regional food security goal.”
Overall, the lab’s capabilities would contribute to Guyana’s goal of reducing the regional food import bill by 25 percent by 2025. By aligning modern technology with sustainable farming practices, the Agriculture Ministry has assured that Guyana’s agricultural ambitions, specifically, its food security goals, will be achieved and serve as a model for the rest of the region to follow.
