Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha today boasted a success story for almost every sector under his ministry. For the seafood sector, the jewel seems to be shrimp.
During a press conference held at his Regent Street Office, Minister Mustapha made known that the Fisheries Department recorded a total shrimp production of 815,496 kg. This accounts for the period January to November 2023.
Mustapha said that this year’s production represents a 49% increase when compared to the 548,900kg, produced in 2022 for the same period.
Significantly, Minister Mustapha said revenue earned during the period January to November 2023 stands at approximately $1.3 billion.
The government has been investing heavily in the in the brackish water ship project since 2021. As of August, President Dr. Irfaan Ali said his government invested some $400 million in the industry.
Initially, the objective was to increase production to 500,000 kilogrammes annually. The launch of this project in 2021 along the Corentyne Coast saw significant interest from stakeholders to take advantage of the seafood potential here.
To date, Government has been able to construct 133 ponds, resulting in them exceeding initial production figures.
