Guyana opens Agriculture Month 2026 with push for high-tech food production

Guyana will limit large-scale fruit imports to protect local farmers and their markets, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha said, while allowing imports of fruits not grown locally. The ministry is also launching weekly farmers’ markets nationwide and urging climate-ready farming as El Niño threatens drier, hotter conditions.

President Irfaan Ali said Guyana aims to become the Caribbean’s food capital by expanding agriculture through more production, processing, exports and technology, backed by a 515% increase in the sector’s budget since 2020. He said the push is vital for national security, jobs and regional food security, with new investments in infrastructure, agro-processing and financing for small producers.

President Irfaan Ali is urging Guyanese youth to see agriculture as a modern, technology-driven industry with opportunities in entrepreneurship, innovation and investment. He said government is backing precision farming, digital services, hydroponics and other systems, while the planned Guyana Development Bank could improve access to capital for small producers and agro-processors.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha said Guyana’s farmers must get better returns for the food they produce, as he opened Agriculture Month 2026. He said the sector has been revitalized through technology, financing and regional cooperation, helping strengthen food security, create jobs and reduce hunger in Guyana and the Caribbean.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha says Guyana is pushing innovation, technology and climate-smart farming to boost food security, raise production and expand regional markets. He cited an 11.5% sector growth in 2025, higher rice output and gains in priority crops as signs the industry is strengthening economic diversification and CARICOM food security.