– says 112,000kg of beef produced at Onverwagt Abattoir

In light of recent reports on the operations of the Onverwagt Abattoir and the work of the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), the Ministry of Agriculture on Tuesday accused political actors of intentionally creating unnecessary alarm and undermining public confidence in the agriculture sector. The Ministry clarifies that the Onverwagt Abattoir remains operational and continues to provide slaughtering and related services to livestock farmers. “To date, the abattoir has produced 112,000 kilograms (kg) of beef, and butchers are charged a minimal fee of $3,000 per cattle to slaughter. The cattle processed at the facility were supplied primarily by farmers from Regions Four, Five, Six, Nine, and Ten, while limited quantities originated from Bon Fin, Brazil, through approved and lawful importation channels,” the Ministry stated. Furthermore, it stated that, like any public facility, its level of utilisation depends on market demand, seasonal livestock supply, and the choices made by producers. “The Government has continued to invest in improving livestock infrastructure and expanding opportunities for farmers rather than allowing these facilities to deteriorate.” Equally false are the allegations that cattle are dying across the country while the GLDA is doing nothing. On this note, the Ministry added that the GLDA maintains an active veterinary surveillance programme, provides extension services, disease monitoring, vaccination campaigns, diagnostic support, and emergency responses whenever cases are reported. Livestock production, like every agricultural activity, faces occasional challenges, but to suggest that the Authority is absent or indifferent is a gross distortion of reality. During the past months, the GLDA surveillance department has provided services to a total of 1,137 farmers and a total of 34,076 animals received animal welfare intervention and relief efforts.

“It is unfortunate that individuals have chosen to engage in what appears to be political grandstanding instead of working constructively with farmers. Genuine concerns affecting livestock producers should always be reported through the proper channels, where they are investigated professionally and addressed promptly. Using misinformation and sensationalism for political gain serves neither farmers nor the development of the livestock industry,” the Ministry related. The missive added that under the leadership of Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, Guyana’s agriculture sector has experienced unprecedented investment and expansion. It added that over the years, the Government has invested billions of dollars in drainage and irrigation, farm-to-market roads, livestock development, black giant poultry, genetic improvement programmes, veterinary services, shade houses, aquaculture, mechanisation and direct support for farmers across every region of the country. The release stated that the Ministry has consistently demonstrated that its priority is improving production, increasing farmers’ incomes, strengthening food security, and positioning Guyana as a regional leader in agriculture. These achievements are visible throughout the country and are recognised by farmers who have benefited directly from these interventions.