Farmers across Region Six, specifically in Black Bush Polder, are being urged to diversify their agricultural activities and adopt integrated farming systems to improve their incomes and reduce dependence on the rice industry.
Addressing farmers during a recent community outreach along the Corentyne Coast, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha said the government is working with agencies, including the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) and the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), to help farmers diversify into coconut cultivation, high-value crops, aquaculture, and shade-house farming.
He noted that fluctuations in the global rice market continue to affect farmers locally, making diversification important for long-term sustainability.
The agriculture minister said farmers can dedicate one or two acres of their land to alternative crops and livestock production, while receiving technical support from the ministry.
Among the areas identified were coconut production, broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, carrots, and fish farming, particularly the cultivation of tambaqui, which he said is growing in demand across Guyana’s hospitality sector.
Minister Mustapha highlighted the government’s efforts to introduce improved rice varieties that can better withstand changing weather conditions while providing higher yields for farmers.