The government is set to unlock approximately 35,000 acres of new agricultural land while simultaneously pursuing new international markets for rice, as part of its strategy to expand production, strengthen food security and improve farmers’ earnings.
At the Region Six rice farmers’ cash grant distribution exercise along the Corentyne Coast on Friday, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha said new lands will become available after the completion of the high-level Hope-like canal system.
The canals are designed to improve drainage, reduce flooding and increase climate resilience while opening vast new areas for agricultural development. This will create significant opportunities for rice cultivation, livestock production and high-value crop farming.
“Start now and send in your applications because these lands will create new opportunities for rice farming, livestock and cash crop production,” the minister said.
The agriculture minister also disclosed that the Ministry of Agriculture is working closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to secure additional export markets for Guyana’s rice, thereby improving demand and strengthening farm incomes.
He said discussions are ongoing with countries including Mexico, while efforts are also underway to increase rice exports to Jamaica and expand access to the Panama market.
The minister noted that the government’s long-term vision extends beyond increasing production to making agriculture more profitable through market expansion, improved infrastructure and diversification.
He encouraged farmers to embrace integrated farming by combining rice cultivation with livestock, aquaculture and high-value crops to create multiple streams of income and build greater resilience against fluctuating world market prices.