President Dr Irfaan Ali on Monday said a private investor is preparing to commission a new poultry processing plant in Guyana, an investment expected to triple the company’s processing capacity.
The President spoke on Monday at the inaugural Farmers’ Conference held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre at Liliendaal, in observance of Agriculture Month. Dr. Ali said efforts to strengthen the country’s food production sector are continuing with private investors supporting the nation’s food security targets.
“One of the private investors in poultry is about to commission to start up a large processing plant, a new poultry processing plant that will triple their capacity in terms of processing here in Guyana,” the President said.
The Head-of-State did not disclose which private investor will be establishing the new facility. However, it will complement the tunnel-ventilated poultry pens developed under the Ministry of Agriculture.
Dr. Ali said the development reflects growing investor confidence in the government’s agricultural policies, infrastructure investments and commitment to food security.
“These investments are not accidental. These investments are following the lead of government, the policies we are implementing, the investment we are making in infrastructure,” President Ali said.
He also said that by the end of next year, 50 per cent of the hatching eggs that imported will be produced locally with the longer-term goal of approaching full self-sufficiency by the end of 2028.
Dr. Ali pointed to findings from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which highlighted agriculture’s importance to Guyana’s economic resilience, diversification and development strategy. Agricultural production has expanded by an average of 10 per cent annually since 2022 and the growth is attributed to government investments, subsidies and the efforts of farmers.
President Ali said the government is also engaging commercial banks to improve access to affordable financing for agricultural producers. Already, Republic Bank Limited has set aside loans for agriculture development at preferential rates and the Demerara Bank limited is offering poultry loans at 5 per cent per annum.
Meanwhile, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha said the conference will provide farmers an opportunity to network and engage with industry leaders.
“As a government, we cannot make progress in agriculture without the farmers themselves, their experience matters, their concerns matter,” the minister said.
He said that increased production must be matched by reliable markets, processing capacity and stable prices for farmers. Following the morning’s sessions, a Farmers’ Market will be held in the compound.
Source: NEW ROOMS SITE
