Efforts are being made to advance Guyana’s coconut industry to increase production, improve productivity and ensure farmers have access to more planting materials and modern cultivation practices.

Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha is examining opportunities for greater technical collaboration as part of these efforts, including partnerships that can introduce new technologies and expertise to Guyana’s coconut farmers.

Minister Mustapha recently met with representatives of COHIBRA, a Brazilian company specialising in technology and solutions for coconut palm production, to explore areas of collaboration that could support the continued expansion and modernisation of the local industry.

Discussions were centred on how COHIBRA’s expertise and technology could complement Guyana’s ongoing coconut development programme, particularly in strengthening production practices and improving coconut farmers’ productivity.

The agriculture minister highlighted the importance of providing farmers with improved coconut varieties and modern cultivation techniques that can help increase yields and strengthen the sector’s sustainability.

The discussions also considered the wider opportunities that can emerge from a stronger coconut industry, including increased production, the development of value-added products and expanded access to export markets.

For farmers, the focus is on increasing the number of coconut trees being cultivated, as well as building a more productive and modern industry that can create greater opportunities along the value chain, from production and processing to marketing and exports.

The engagement with COHIBRA stands as part of the government’s broader efforts to bring additional technical expertise and investment opportunities into the agriculture sector, while supporting farmers to improve productivity and benefit from new markets.