GEORGETOWN, Guyana – The Guyana government says the agricultural sector earned more than GUY$919 million in revenue during the first half of this year from the export of non-traditional crops.
Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha at the Guyana Marketing Corporation annual Awards and Dinner ( Ministry of Agriculture photo)Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, addressing the first annual awards and dinner ceremony of the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) on Tuesday night, said the revenue represents a 12.7 per cent increase over the corresponding period last year.
“In the first half of 2024, Guyana has made significant strides in exporting non-traditional agricultural goods. We have seen a 12.7 per cent increase compared to last year reaching over 4156 metric tonnes with a value exceeding GUY$919 million,” Mustapha said.
Mustapha told the ceremony that by increasing exports, Guyana not only earns foreign exchange but also the country is known as a reliable supplier of high quality food products.
“You the exporters are the bridge between our fields and the world. Through your dedication to quality, logistics and market research you are transforming Guyanese produces into global brands,” he said, adding that the long term goal is to make Guyana the center of food production in the region.
“For too long we have relied on exporting raw material, leaving the value addition to other countries. “You have to change that narrative,” Mustapha said, adding that by taking local produce and transforming it into high value products, jobs are created, livelihood are boosted and local food security is strengthened.
“Agro-processing empowers our women and it is a great opportunity for our youth. This industry currently employs approximately or just over 2000 persons in small and medium size categories,” Mustapha said.
He told the ceremony that the GMC will continue to enhance the capacity of agro-processors by providing training and large scale production as well as improving post-harvest management through the provision of storage facilities.
“As a country, for too long we have been exporting primary products…It’s time that we add value to Guyanese products,” Mustapha said.
