Ministry of Agriculture

Guyana

Report
2015-2020
Contents
Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 8
MOA Programmes (and Semi-Autonomous Agencies) ................................................................... 9
OTHER INSTITUTIONS ...................................................................................................................... 9
Committees ..................................................................................................................................... 9
Rice Assessment Committee (RAC) ............................................................................................ 9
National Cane Farming Committee (NCFC) ................................................................................ 9
NDIA ........................................................................................................................................10
Pump Stations ............................................................................................................................... 10
Joppa and Gangaram Pump Stations........................................................................................ 11
Three Friends Pump Station ..................................................................................................... 11
Hampton Court Pump Station .................................................................................................. 12
Trafalgar Pump Station ............................................................................................................. 12
Buxton Pump Station ................................................................................................................ 13
Enmore Pump Station............................................................................................................... 13
Herstelling Pump Station .......................................................................................................... 14
Lusignan Pump Station ............................................................................................................. 14
Nootenzuil Pump Station.......................................................................................................... 15
Vigilance Pump Station ............................................................................................................. 15
Eversham Pump Station ........................................................................................................... 16
Lima Pump Station .................................................................................................................... 16
Bagotville Sluice and Thierens Sluice........................................................................................ 17
Amphibious Excavator ................................................................................................................... 18
The Cutter Suction Dredge (CSD) .................................................................................................. 19
Georgetown................................................................................................................................... 20
Hinterland Development ............................................................................................................... 21
Ebini Fair Weather Road ............................................................................................................... 24
Regional Presence ......................................................................................................................... 25
Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board ...........................................................................26
Chemical Storage Facility .............................................................................................................. 26
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 Obsolete Pesticides Disposal Project ............................................................................................ 29
The Chemical Residue Laboratory................................................................................................. 30
Training .......................................................................................................................................... 30
Recommissioned PTCCB Lab ......................................................................................................... 33
Guyana School of Agriculture....................................................................................................34
Training .......................................................................................................................................... 34
Number of Graduates: 2014-2019 ........................................................................................... 34
Curriculum Reform ........................................................................................................................ 35
Introduction of New Courses.................................................................................................... 36
Introduction to Apiculture ........................................................................................................ 36
Training Programme on Competency Based Education and Training (CBET) ............................... 37
External Training Output ............................................................................................................... 37
Agro-Processing – Office of Youth Empowerment ................................................................... 37
Training in Value Addition and Food Safety for Coconut Products .......................................... 38
Agro-Processing Training Programme ...................................................................................... 39
IPED’s Staff at GSA .................................................................................................................... 40
Outreach Programmes .................................................................................................................. 40
Upgrade of Facilities/ Purchase of Equipment ......................................................................... 41
Agro Processing Unit ..................................................................................................................... 41
Renewable Energy for Agro Processing Unit ............................................................................ 42
Agriculture Equipment/ Inputs/Construction .......................................................................... 43
Construction of a Shade house................................................................................................. 44
Maintenance of Facilities.......................................................................................................... 45
Installation of Fire Protection System ...................................................................................... 45
Rehabilitation of Laboratories .................................................................................................. 46
Rehabilitation of Bridge ............................................................................................................ 47
Purchase of Cold Storage Appliance ......................................................................................... 48
Purchase of Equipment ............................................................................................................ 49
Rehabilitation of Pens............................................................................................................... 49

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 Construction of Poultry Pens .................................................................................................... 51
Hope Coconut Industries Limited ..............................................................................................52
NAREI .......................................................................................................................................56
Crop Diversification ....................................................................................................................... 57
Peppers ..................................................................................................................................... 57
Ginger and Onions .................................................................................................................... 58
Turmeric.................................................................................................................................... 58
Mangrove Management ............................................................................................................... 60
Guyana Marketing Corporation ................................................................................................62
Successful Market Linkages........................................................................................................... 62
Barbados ................................................................................................................................... 63
St. Kitts ...................................................................................................................................... 63
GMC and RAID Project .............................................................................................................. 63
Parika Processing Facility .............................................................................................................. 63
Market Extension, Capacity Building and Training for Farmers and Agro-processors ................. 64
Taking the Guyana Shop National ................................................................................................. 65
Development of the Local Agro-processing Sector....................................................................... 66
Training ..................................................................................................................................... 66
Linkages with Packaging Material Suppliers............................................................................. 66
The Computation of Nutritional Facts ...................................................................................... 66
Resuscitation of the Guyana Non-traditional Agricultural Exporters Association ................... 67
Farmers Exchange Visits ........................................................................................................... 67
GMC’s Farmers Market Day .......................................................................................................... 68
Promotion of Guyanese Products Internationally ........................................................................ 68
Hinterland Development ............................................................................................................... 69
Region 1 .................................................................................................................................... 69
Region 7 .................................................................................................................................... 69
Region 9 .................................................................................................................................... 69
Fisheries Department ...............................................................................................................71

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 Marine Stewardship Council Certification Achievements ............................................................ 72
Port State Measures Agreement Achievement ............................................................................ 75
Research- Aqua feed ..................................................................................................................... 76
Aquaponics training in secondary schools .................................................................................... 77
Aquaponics at the Satyadeow Sawh Aquaculture Station (SSAS) ................................................ 82
Capacity building ...................................................................................................................... 83
Tambaqui propagation workshop ............................................................................................ 83
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) volunteer attachment for aquatic feed
formulation. .............................................................................................................................. 83
Technical support ..................................................................................................................... 83
Observation, Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Vessel .......................................................... 83
Exports........................................................................................................................................... 84
Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB)..................................................................................85
The Seed Cleaning Facility ............................................................................................................. 86
GRDB-15 ........................................................................................................................................ 87
Farmer Field School, Outreaches and Training ............................................................................. 89
Exports........................................................................................................................................... 92
Capacity Building ........................................................................................................................... 93
Licensed Grader Training .......................................................................................................... 94
ISO Certification ............................................................................................................................ 96
Blended Rice Flour......................................................................................................................... 98
The Guyana Livestock Development Authority ..........................................................................99
Animal Welfare Bill ...................................................................................................................... 100
The Duck Egg Hatchery................................................................................................................ 101
Improved Livestock Breeding ...................................................................................................... 102
The Tempo breed of boars. .................................................................................................... 102
Beef and dairy breeds of cattle .............................................................................................. 103
Sheep and goat breeds. .......................................................................................................... 104
The Black Giant poultry breeding Programme ....................................................................... 108
Ducks....................................................................................................................................... 110
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 Improved Feeds and Feeding systems ........................................................................................ 110
The Total Mix Ration Feeder .................................................................................................. 111
Apiculture: Wax Foundation press .............................................................................................. 113
The wax foundation press ........................................................................................................... 113
The Hydro-Meteorological Department (Hydromet)................................................................ 116
Enhancing National Climate Service (ENACTS) ........................................................................... 117
The Water Quality Lab ................................................................................................................ 118
Strengthening of Meteorological Services in Aviation ................................................................ 120
Building of Climatological Observational Network ..................................................................... 120
Automatic Weather Stations ....................................................................................................... 120
Upgrade to the Satellite Receiving System ................................................................................. 123
Nation-wide Early Flood Warning System .................................................................................. 123
Mahaica Mahaicony Abary – Agriculture Development Authority (MMA/ADA) ....................... 125
Farm to Market Road .................................................................................................................. 126
Rehabilitation of the D’Edward Sluice ........................................................................................ 127
Self Sufficiency ............................................................................................................................ 128
Agriculture Sector Development Unit ..................................................................................... 130
Rural Agricultural Infrastructure Development (RAID Project) .................................................. 130
Key Achievements .................................................................................................................. 133
Rehabilitation of Presidents College Farm: ................................................................................. 134
Sustainable Agricultural Development Project (SADP) ............................................................... 134
Key Achievements .................................................................................................................. 135
Flood Risk Management Project ................................................................................................. 136
Cunha Canal Rehabilitation Project ............................................................................................ 137
Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) ..................................................................................... 139
GuySuCo Then ............................................................................................................................. 139
The Transition.............................................................................................................................. 140
GuySuCo Now .............................................................................................................................. 141
Mahaica Abary Rice Development Service .............................................................................. 142

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 Airstrip Deal ................................................................................................................................. 142
School Bus Donation ................................................................................................................... 142
The Ministry of Agriculture’s LBI Agriculture Complex ............................................................. 144
National Laboratories ............................................................................................................. 146
Agriculture Month .................................................................................................................. 146
Agriculture Month Themes ......................................................................................................... 146
World Food Day ..................................................................................................................... 147
World Fisherfolk Day .............................................................................................................. 147
National Tree Day ................................................................................................................... 148
Food Safety Bill ...................................................................................................................... 149
Conclusion.............................................................................................................................. 149

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Introduction
Agriculture is a mainstay in Guyana’s development. Indeed, Guyana’s history has been one where
agriculture has been the backbone of the economy and, the sector has been a catalyst and a pillar
in our development trajectory. Agriculture contributes almost 16% of our economy (agriculture
GDP), it accounts for more than 17.8% of employment in our country, and almost 26% of Guyana’s
export earnings come from agriculture. Additionally, an average of about 5% of the national budget
is allocated to agriculture. The significant contributions of agriculture as a major component of our
economy is likely to persist, even though we envisage accelerated growth of oil in Guyana.

The Ministry of Agriculture is the administrative structure accountable for the agriculture sector, it
aims to ensure the formulation and implementation of policies and programmes which facilitate the
development of agriculture and fisheries in Guyana, thereby contributing to the enhancement of
rural life, the sustained improvement of incomes of producers and other participants in the
agricultural production and marketing chain; and the maintenance of a sound physical and
institutional environment for present and future productive activities. The Ministry is expected to
organize and lead through interventions in the livestock, fisheries, crop, irrigation and drainage,
pesticide management and control and, the marketing of agriculture produce whose collective
interventions require a coordinated and harmonized policy approach.

Over the period 2015-2020, the Ministry’s strategic direction has been reducing disaster risk,
increasing productivity, and increasing exports. Reducing Disaster Risk have been addressed by
programs focused on drainage and irrigation (mitigation) and hinterland development (adaptation).
More so, programmes to increase productivity and exports focused on increasing agriculture
productivity via technology and extension support, and market led production via export promotion
and import substitution.

The Ministry of Agriculture consists of 4 programmes, Ministry Administration (Programme 211),

Agriculture Development and Support Services which comprises of seven (7) subvention agencies
or semi-autonomous agencies (Programme 212), Fisheries Department (Programme 213), and
Hydrometeorological Services (Programme 214). There are also 4 agencies (GuySuCo, GRDB, PTCCB,
and MARDS) that are outside these classifications. Refer to Table 1.

The agencies and departments of the Ministry of Agriculture exist as separate entities to achieve
their objectives. They play an integral role in the implementation of the Ministry of Agriculture’s
strategic direction and provision of direct agriculture support services to farmers, exporters, agro-
processors etc. They are listed below:
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MOA Programmes (and Semi-Autonomous Agencies)
1 Programme 1 – Ministry Administration (includes Accounts, Personnel, Planning Unit, and
ASDU)
Programme 2 –Agriculture Development and Support Service
2 National Drainage and Irrigation Authority - NDIA
3 Mahaica/Mahaicony/Abary Agriculture Development Authority –MMA/ADA
4 Guyana Livestock Development Authority- GLDA
5 National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute- NAREI
6 Guyana Marketing Corporation - GMC
7 Guyana School of Agriculture -GSA
8 Hope Coconut Industries Limited - HCIL
9 Programme 3- Fisheries Department
10 Programme 4 – Hydrometeorological Service
OTHER INSTITUTIONS
11 Guyana Sugar Corporation – GuySuCo
12 Guyana Rice Development Board – GRDB
13 Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board - PTCCB
14 Mahaicony-Abary Rice Development Scheme – MARDS
15 East Demerara Water Conservancy
16 Boerasirie Conservancy
17 Guyana Fisheries Ltd.
Committees
Rice Assessment Committee (RAC)
There are Rice Assessment Committees in all major rice growing regions; these are, Regions 2, 3, 4,
5 and 6. Each committee is represented by Land Lords, tenants, technical staff of the Ministry and a
Chairman who has legal training. The committee investigates disputes on land matters in the rice
farming areas. It operates at a Magistrate Court Level.
National Cane Farming Committee (NCFC)
The NCFC has representatives from private cane farmers, government including GUYSUCO and
representative from the banking sector. These are appointed by the Minister of Agriculture. The
focus of the committee is to make representation on behalf of the private cane farmers to
government and GUYSUCO on various issues.
Fisheries Advisory Committee
This committee was formed to focus on the maximum utilization of fisheries resources in addition
to addressing issues such as the lack of investment capital, technical skills, improved technology and
research and training

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NDIA
The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) functions as Guyana’s apex organization dealing
with all public matters pertaining to management, improvement, extension and provision of drainage,
irrigation and flood control infrastructure and services in declared areas of the country. The Drainage
and Irrigation act was Established in 2006 by an Act of Parliament, No.10 of 2004. With this act the
Authority has developed an institutional structure in terms of water resources management strategy
and water use planning for the primary purpose of locating, evaluating, conserving and distributing the
water resources of the country for agricultural purposes. In meeting its mandate, the NDIA has focused
on improving and upgrading drainage and irrigation services countywide, thereby enhancing the
competitiveness of the various sectors and improving productivity. Through the work of the NDIA, the
Ministry of Agriculture is ensuring that agricultural land is better protected against adverse weather
related events.

Over the years, the NDIA has been building its capacity, resulting in a significant number of pieces of
equipment being acquired, inclusive of mobile and fixed pumps, long reach excavators, bulldozers and
other machinery. The NDIA has adopted a policy of constructing and rehabilitating sluices that are found
to be functional through suitable foreshore conditions along the coast and riverine areas, aimed at
upgrading and expanding the drainage system. These works allow for expanded acreage of agricultural
activities and to better cope with extreme rainfall events associated with climate change.

Pump Stations
Since 2015, The NDIA has installed pump stations across regions 2,3,4,5, and 6 (coastal regions). A
number of pump stations have been built and rehabilitated across the coastland at a cost of
$2,921,000,000. The areas benefitting from this investment include Lusignan, BV/Triumph, Good Hope
and its environs, Friendship, Vigilance, Buxton, Herstelling/Mocha/Providence, Hope and Enmore in
Region 4; Three Friends, Columbia, Aberdeen, Land of Plenty, Mainstay, Lima and Reliance in Region 2;
Trafalgar in Region 5; Windsor Forest in Region 3; Bengal, Gangaram, Eversham and Joppa in Region 6.

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Joppa and Gangaram Pump Stations
The pump station at Gangaram attracted an expenditure of $310M. This figure includes construction
works along with consultancy supervision for the project. The station at Joppa was completed in the
amount of $277M. The pump stations have the capacity to drain 200 cubic feet of water per second
which translates into 90,000 gallons of water per minute.

The Joppa Pump Station (left) and The Gangaram Pump Station (right) Region 6 (2015)

Three Friends Pump Station

This pump Station costs $103 million and helps in the alleviation of flooding in Three Friends, Columbia,
Aberdeen, Land of Plenty, Mainstay, Reliance and its immediate front lands. It facilitates drainage for
some 3,500 acres of predominately rice and cash crop undertakings. This translates to roughly 230 rice
farmers and 200 cash crop farmers directly and 283 rice farmers who are indirectly linked to the D&I
network covered by this pump station.

Three Friends Pump Station, Essequibo Coast Region 2 (2018)

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Hampton Court Pump Station
The pumps for this station are set to be installed by the end of 2020. When installed, they are expected
to have a discharge rate of 80 Cubic Feet per second.

The Housing unit for the Pump in Hampton Court, Essequibo Coast, Region 2

Trafalgar Pump Station

After being inoperable due to damage sustained via acts of vandalism, a $40 million contract saw the
rehabilitation of the pumps at this pump station in 2015. The two pumps have a combined capacity to
drain almost 3,000 gallons of water per second.

The pumps in operation at Trafalgar Essequibo Coast Region 2 (2016)

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Buxton Pump Station
Valued at $376.9 Million, this pump station covers the catchment areas of both Buxton and Friendship
villages, covering some 1,760 acres (712 hectares) of farmland and benefits 859 households in Buxton
and a portion of the 552 Households in Friendship.

Buxton Pump Station, ECD, Region 4 (2018)

Enmore Pump Station

This pump station drains Enmore/Hope and its environs, benefitting in excess of 175,000 residents. This
station in its entirety cost $412,656,970

The Enmore Pump Station, ECD, Region 4 (2018)

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Herstelling Pump Station
Coming it at a cost of $335 million, this pump station covers 4,500 acres (1,821 hectares) and benefits
both residential and agricultural lands from Providence to Little Diamond. In addition, 7,526 persons in
the catchment area and 69 registered farmers from Mocha also benefit from this station.

Herstelling Pump Station in operation, EBD, Region 4 (2018)

Lusignan Pump Station

Responsible for draining Lusignan, BV/Triumph, Good Hope and its environs. The cost for the
construction of this pump station stood at $364,096,150

Lusignan Pump Station, ECD, Region 4 (2018)

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Nootenzuil Pump Station
This Pump station will house one pump, which is expected to be installed by the end of 2020.

Nootenzuil Pump Station Housing, ECD, Region 4

Vigilance Pump Station

The pump is equipped with a 70.6 cusec pump which has the capacity to discharge water at a rate of
31,700 gallons per minute and cost approximately $240 million.

Vigilance Pump Station, ECD, Region 4 (2018)

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Eversham Pump Station
This $183M drainage pump was commissioned at Eversham, Corentyne, Region Six (East
Berbice/Corentyne) in 2015. It benefits more than 750 farmers from the Black Bush Polder area.

The Pump at Eversham, Corentyne, Region 6 (2015)

Lima Pump Station

The overall cost of the project was $289M, and it has the capacity to extrude 200 cubic feet of water per
second. This represents a 150% jump in pumping capacity at that location. The investment directly
benefits 435 farmers and indirectly benefits 700 linked to the network. It covers La Belle Alliance, Lima,
Coffee Grove, Ankuku, Sparta, Windsor Castle, Hampton Court, Anna Regina, Richmond and Henrietta

The Lima Pump Station, Essequibo Coast, Region 2 (2016)

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Bagotville Sluice and Thierens Sluice
The Bagotville sluice was designed to drain an area of 1,060 acres and benefit approximately 2,500
residents and farmers. It was constructed at a cost of approximately $83M

Bagotville Sluice, WBD, Region 3 (above) Thierens Sluice, Leguan, Region 2 (right)

The Thierens Sluice was designed to drain 750 acres in the span of 8 hours and benefits approximately
90 farmers and residents. It was constructed at a cost of $89M

These pumps and sluices, in addition to the mechanical excavation of outfall channels in all Regions,
have greatly improved the drainage capacity of the country, allowing the NDIA to effectively carry out
its mandate in looking at the unique needs of each region and allocating the required resources, the
NDIA has been managing water resources in a more deliberate and structured manner.

17
Amphibious Excavator
The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) commissioned the country’s first amphibious
excavator on May 24th 2019. The machine was obtained through residual funds from Phase Two of the
Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) sponsored project to rehabilitate the East Demerara
Water Conservancy (EDWC).

The Amphibious Excavator pushing off from shore with its anchors raised

This was in keeping with commitments made in 2018 by the Government, to acquire this landmark piece
of machinery which costs more than $60M and will be used exclusively for works in the conservancy.

The Amphibious Excavator at work clearing out a section of the conservancy

The excavator is capable of working in waterways as deep as sixteen feet and is fully self-propelled. This
gives the machine the ability to work in critical areas bringing significant relief to drainage and irrigation
in those very hard to reach areas.

18
The Cutter Suction Dredge (CSD)
The state-of-the-art Cutter Suction Dredge (CSD), was acquired by the National Drainage and Irrigation
Authority (NDIA) in January of 2019. It is used for making coastal drainage channels more effective, and
made a successful debut in Region Five; Mahaica/Berbice.
The dredge, the first of its kind in Guyana, was bought from the Netherlands by the government, on the
recommendation of a Dutch Risk Reduction team which came to Guyana in late 2015 to provide advice
on flood risk management on the northern coastline of Guyana.
The Cutter Suction Head, the Drive Unit and Spud legs were installed on a pontoon constructed by the
Guyana National Industrial Company Inc., at a cost of $329M during the early months of 2018 and then
handed over to the NDIA.

The CSD loaded on a pontoon at Trafalgar

The CSD was deployed to Trafalgar late December 2018, and successfully managed to increase the depth
of the outfall channel and hence, the capacity of the sluice to discharge water from the tertiary,
secondary and drainage channels in the villages.

19
Georgetown
Extensive work was done to bring the
drainage capacity in Georgetown to 3
inches in 24 hours, further enhancing
coastal drainage capacity.
The NDIA was tasked by cabinet since
2018 to increase the drainage capacity of
the capital city and its environs, and has
taken control of the Primary drains across
the capital city.

NDIA workers clearing a drain in West Ruimveldt The NDIA partnered with the Georgetown
Mayor and City Council (M&CC) to carry
out rehabilitation, operation and maintenance of the city’s primary drainage systems like the La
Penitence Channel below.

Areas drained by this channel include Lamaha Spring, Lamaha Park, Guyhoc Park, Tucville, Freeman
Street East La Penitence, Middle Road, Laing Avenue and Albouystown. The effects of the work done by
the NDIA can be seen as the city no longer remains under water for prolonged periods as it did in the
past.

20
Water flowing unencumbered through a cleared drain inlet in Tiger Bay

It is expected that the people of Georgetown would work along with the NDIA and the M&CC and not
use the drains as a receptacle for solid waste. Apart from finding a washing machine dumped in the
drains, there has also been instances where mattresses, boards, bottles, bags and a host of other items,
which effectively result in blockage, had to be removed from the channels.

Hinterland Development
Moving inland, the NDIA has also done extensive work in the hinterland regions, with the intention of
improving the availability of water for agricultural purposes. In Region 8, the NDIA has targeted 5 villages
(Monkey Mountain, Tuseneng, Bamboo Creek/Uruberu, Kato and Kurukabaru) for the provision of
irrigation and agricultural services to farmers and community plots.

Water Harvesting Site at Massara Region 9

One hundred (100) farmers have been assisted

under NDIA’s 2019 programme to improve the
agricultural activities and productivity of 120 acres
at a value of twenty (20) million dollars. NDIA
intends to obtain the requisite agricultural
equipment and associated implements to assist
farmers in the preparation of their fields. These
services will also be available to ensure efficient
harvesting and transport of crops. This will also
ensure that farmers can access the readily available market of the school feeding programme in the
region as well as to develop intercommunity agricultural trade, since the majority of food items have to
be sourced from outside the region and transported at high cost.

21
The Government is resolute in developing and facilitating a favorable environment for developing water
resources in Region No. 9, in keeping with its Hinterland Development Strategy 2015-2020. The National
Drainage & Irrigation Authority has taken the lead in facilitating the development of water resources in
Region. 9.

One of the completed ponds for Water Harvesting at Quarrie Region 9, utilized by 75 heads of cattle, 50 domestic animals and 230 people,
there are also plans for a Shade house for Vegetable production.

The project has improved water storage capacities which subsequently has a greater impact on irrigated
agriculture, cattle rearing, aquaculture and livelihoods of residents, thus increasing agricultural activities
and consequential production. The NDIA has constructed approximately 8 water harvesting systems, 3
in Massara, 2 in Annai (central), 2 in Rupertee and 1 in Aranaputa that has contributed to achieving the
objective of providing irrigation for a continuous supply during the dry season and sustainable access to
clean water (for human, agriculture and animal consumption).

22
cattle at the pond in Shulinab Region 9

Jerry Springs, Region-9, utilized by 100 heads of cattle and by vegetable farmers

23
Ebini Fair Weather Road
NDIA allocated twenty eight (28) million
dollars in the 2019 budget for the
implementation of this project. The NDIA in
executing its mandate to aid in the
development of agriculture in the
hinterland also embarked on the
rehabilitation of the fair weather road at
Ebini to provide farm to market access for
farmers within the intermediate savannahs
of region 10. This project included the
construction of 17 km of fair-weather road
and three concrete bridges to allow
vehicular access to the Ministry of Agriculture’s Agriculture Station at Ebini from the Berbice River at
Tacama. This is in an effort to facilitate agricultural development in the Intermediate Savannahs by
improving accessibility for farmers and future investors. It also aided in the transport of livestock into
the remote location.

Minister Holder inspecting one of the bridges along the Ebini road (Region 10)

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Regional Presence
Drainage and Irrigation matters for outlying coastal regions were long being managed from
Georgetown. This means that when there was an emergency it is almost impossible to manage
effectively. So, a decision was made to increase the NDIA’s Regional presence. This led to the
establishment of a number of regional offices to date.

NDIA Regional Office Cotton Field, Essequibo Coast, Region 2

NDIA Regional Office, Onverwagt, Region 5

NDIA Regional Office Den Amstel, Region 3

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Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control
Board
The Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board was established for the management of pesticides
and toxic chemicals in Guyana. The Board is tasked with the responsibility for licensing, registration,
training, inspection and enforcement and executes these activities with the aim of ensuring sound
chemicals management in Guyana; reduce human health and environmental risks, and food safety
in agriculture production.

All chemicals used in Guyana must be registered by the Board ensuring that all pesticides used in
agriculture production are of minimum risk to human health and the environment. This also plays
an important role in the international trade of agricultural produce from Guyana, ensuring that
these produce are safe for consumption. The PTCCB has a well-equipped laboratory which plays a
vital role in food safety by carrying out formulated pesticides analyses and residual analyses.

The PTCCB is active in the training of farmers, extension agents, vendors, students, pest control
operators and Customs and Trade Administration Officers throughout Guyana. In so doing, focus is
centered on pesticide related topics with relevance to agricultural practices. The Board also raises
public awareness through the development and distribution of training manuals and the publication
of a quarterly newsletter. Further, the Board participates frequently at national exhibitions and
television programmes featuring agriculture issues, in addition to hosting website with a
comprehensive range of topics pertinent to its mandate.

Chemical Storage Facility

The PTCCB commissioned the state of the art Chemical Storage Facility for Guyana during 2015. The
facility is housed in the compound of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute
(NAREI). The PTCCB continues to emphasize the need for proper storage facility to house seized
illegal and unregistered pesticides found in Guyana.

The facility was completed in 2015 at a cost of $46M. Pesticides have been linked to a wide range
of human health illnesses, ranging from short-term impacts such as headaches and nausea, to
chronic impacts like cancer, cognitive disorders, reproductive harm, and endocrine disruption. It is
important to note that these health impacts are inherently linked to poor pesticide use and
practices.

26
Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder and Registrar, PTCCB unveils the plaque to the chemicals storage facility (Mon Repos, 2015)
The use of improper storage procedures is an open invitation for a disaster to happen. Nearly three-
fourths of all pesticide accidents are non-use accidents, often involving children less than 10 years
of age. Improper pesticide storage is therefore not only dangerous to one’s self health but also to
one’s family and can cause harm to the environment.

27
In 2016, the PTCCB commenced inspection of toxic chemical importers in keeping with its mandate.
Toxic chemicals are mostly imported and used by the manufacturing industry in Guyana. Many other
items such as detergents and cleaners are imported as finish products for direct distribution to
customers. 2,037 licenses for pesticides and toxic chemicals were issued in 2016 with the aim of
protecting Guyana’s borders from counterfeit or unwanted chemicals. This was supported by the
confiscation of a large quantity of unregistered pesticides from various businesses in Regions, 2, 3,
4 and 5.
The PTCCB launched its Pesticide
Awareness Outreach Program in the
Mabaruma Area, Region 1. This program
targeted 17 villages in the Region 1 area. A
total of 175 pesticide storage cabinets was
distributed with focus on sound storage
practices. Trainings were provided to
educate pesticide users on proper storage
practices. This program led to the
establishment of a much needed private
public partnership approach with industry.

28
Obsolete Pesticides Disposal Project
Guyana in July, 2016, benefited significantly from a regional project implemented by the FAO
disposing 21 tonnes of obsolete pesticides. The contracting firm undertaking the disposal was Veolia
from the United Kingdom. The chemicals
disposed of included the most toxic
obsolete chemicals including persistent
organic pollutants and all the pesticides
from GuySuCo because the secured facility
for repackaging the obsolete pesticides
was destroyed.
Because of the initial declaration and after
intense negotiation with the FAO
representative and also the local purchase
of the UN approved packaging bags,
twenty one (21) tonnes were allowed to be
repackaged and loaded into three 20’
containers and transported to the United
Kingdom.
Guyana in-kind contributed and invested in chemicals and waste management at the national level
for 2016 amounting to Two Hundred and Forty Million, Two Hundred and Thirteen Thousand, Eight
Hundred and Ninety Nine dollars ($240,213,899)

Two hundred and seventy million, one hundred and eight one thousand, one hundred and eighty
seven dollars ($270,181,187) was invested in chemicals management in Guyana in 2017. This
supported the implementation of more stringent enforcement of the pesticide laws. The Pesticides
and Toxic Chemicals Control Board ramped up its inspection and enforcement activities resulting in
confiscations of 38 unregistered pesticides and toxic chemicals products. These resulted in the
confiscation of 10.2 tonnes of illegal pesticides for the period under review.

29
The Chemical Residue Laboratory
Government in an effort to implement food safety measures invested Eighty Million Dollars
($80,000,000) in the rehabilitation of the pesticides and toxic chemicals laboratory to allow for
accreditation and certification.

The Chemical Residue lab which was opened in April of 2019

An additional Eighty Million ($80,000,000) was also invested in acquiring a Liquid Chromatograph -
Tandem Mass Spectrometer (LC-MS/MS). This is a key instrument in increasing the analytical
capability of the pesticides laboratory, with a specific focus on pesticide residue in food.

Training
A training exercise for Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) from various regions throughout the
country on the “Responsible Use, Storage and Disposal of Pesticides” was facilitated by the PTCCB.
This training was integral toward ensuring the sound management of chemicals in Guyana as it
relates to pesticides use countrywide aimed at magnifying the need for human health and
environment protection.
The specific objectives of the training were:

30
 1. To emphasize the risks associated with the indiscriminate use, storage, and handling of
pesticides.
2. To emphasize the dangers associated with prolonged unprotected exposure to pesticides.
3. To emphasize the environmental and occupational hazards associated with the misuse of
pesticides.
4. To highlight Integrated Pest Management Strategies (IPM)

This was further supported by an initiative aimed at raising awareness, and targeting all health
facilities countrywide including Hospitals, Health Centres and Health Outposts. The aim of this
initiative was to raise awareness for the practitioners and visitors of these facilities about pesticides
use, storage and disposal, also the necessary precautionary measures to be taken when handling
these chemicals. A total of 204 health facilities benefited through this initiative.

The Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board in 2018 expended two hundred million, fifty seven
thousand, three hundred and sixty three dollars ($200,057,363) in executing the mandated
initiatives aimed at strengthening Guyana’s chemical and waste agenda. Investment in this regard
was dedicated to awareness sessions which were conducted countrywide in an effort to further
enhance chemicals management in Guyana.

31
A Training Session conducted by the PTCCB

These training sessions discussed topics relating to the safe use, handling, storage and disposal of
pesticides in fields, homes and kitchen gardens. Emphasis was placed on proper storage of
pesticides and the use of household pesticides in homes, with discussions on its impact to human
health and the environment. A total of 5,542 persons were reached through these training and
awareness programmes.

Investment continued in the area of the pesticide laboratory with the laboratory being refurbished
with state of the art furnishings for a chemical laboratory. The quality management system was
significantly improved to allow for certification of the laboratory at the national level.

32
Recommissioned PTCCB Lab

The re-commissioned PTCCB Lab at NAREI Compound

The PTCCB hosted the re-commissioning of the newly equipped Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals
Laboratory (PTCL) in October of 2019. A total cost of Three Hundred and Twenty One Million Dollars
($321,000,000) was invested in the laboratory expansion, acquisition of new analytical equipment,
as well as a number of trainings for lab staff to further build its capacity for testing pesticides and
toxic chemicals formulations and residues. Apart from the re-commissioning of the PTCL, the PTCL
became a GYS-standard certified laboratory in Guyana.

33
Guyana School of Agriculture
Training
The school prepares professionals in different fields of agriculture, fisheries and forestry thereby
addressing technical capacity building through the development of skills and capacities, as well as
enhanced knowledge and information exchange between, the actors involved in innovation,
including farmers and their organizations, agricultural research, education and training institutions,
extension and advisory services institutions, and the researchers and professionals working in the
agricultural sector of Guyana and the Caribbean.

The programmes offered include the Certificate and Diploma in Agriculture, Diploma in Animal
Health and Veterinary Public Health, Certificate in Forestry, Certificate in Agro-Processing and
Certificate in Fisheries Studies. During the period 2015 – 2019 a total of 612 students graduated
from the school in five programmes. This is reflected in the table shown below.

Number of Graduates: 2014-2019

Year Programme Total
Dip in Agri Cert in Agri Forestry Animal Agro-
Health Processing
2019 48 18 26 7 7 106
2018 42 13 31 6 5 97
2017 49 13 36 13 2 113
2016 84 15 36 10 11 156
2015 71 16 32 7 12 138
2014 52 15 38 10 5 120
Total 346 90 199 53 42 730

34
A batch of Graduating Students
Curriculum Reform
The School embarked on a process to reform its curriculum in November 2016 to make it more
responsive to the needs of stakeholders. This process, which was spearheaded by a Curriculum
Review Committee (CRC), a broad based committee comprising representation from the major
stakeholders within the Sector, was completed in December 2019.

New programme structures were developed and the courses within each programme were
comprehensively reviewed, with each conforming to a specific template consisting of 18 descriptors.
The new outlines resulting from this process are in full use.

35
Introduction of New Courses
The introduction of new courses arose from the School’s curriculum reform process. The curriculum
reform process is geared towards tailoring the various programmes to reach stakeholder’s
expectations. Introduction to Apiculture and Introduction to Aquaculture were introduced in the
Certificate in Agriculture Programme in the 2109/2020 academic year.

Introduction to Apiculture
This course is designed to allow students to gain firsthand experience in bee keeping, hence they
can easily venture into a viable economic venture.

36
Training Programme on Competency Based Education and Training
(CBET)
This programme, which was conducted during the period April 1-12, 2019, saw 20 staff members
being exposed to the use of CBET which emphasizes the development of competencies and skills by
students through greater exposure to practical work and having a greater say in what competencies
they desire to learn and the pace at which they do so with guidance from the resource person
(lecturer).

This training programme was facilitated by Mr. Krishna Sharma, Deputy Director, CTVET.

Participants engaged in group activity Group Photo of staff in the Agro Processing Unit

External Training Output

Courses Graduates
Agro-Processing- Office of Youth Empowerment (2016-present) 150
Training in Value Addition and Food Safety for Coconut Products 30
IPED’s Staff training 88
Agro-Processing – Region 10 RDC 30
Total 298

Agro-Processing – Office of Youth Empowerment

Two Agro-Processing training programmes were conducted for the Office of Youth Empowerment,
Ministry of the Presidency, during the period July 22 – 26, 2019 and August 12 – 16, 2019. Fifty
youths from the ten Administrative Regions of Guyana benefitted from this training, which is

37
intended to provide the foundation for youths to be able to develop their own livelihoods through
processing of locally grown fruits and vegetables. This brought the total number of youths benefiting
from this training, which commenced in 2016, to 150.

Areas covered during the training included:

- Food Safety and Quality
- Preservation of Ham
- Salted meats (beef and pork)
- Seasonings (green seasoning, hot sauces)
- Fruit Preservation

Image of a group of youths trained in Agro Processing

Training in Value Addition and Food Safety for Coconut Products

The School’s Agro-Processing Facility conducted a five day training programme in ‘Value Addition
and Food Safety for Coconut Products’ for the European Union (EU) funded ‘Coconut Industry
Development for the Caribbean Project’ during the period August 13-17, 2018.

Thirty persons, comprising coconut farmers and processors from regions 2, 4, 5 and 10, participated
in this training programme. Topics covered during this programme included:
- Food Quality and Safety
- Plant Sanitation
- Product Development
- Packaging and Labelling
- Preparation of Coconut products
- Virgin coconut oil
- Coconut drink
38
 - Coconut flour
- Coconut vinegar
- Bottled coconut water
- Vacuum packaged jelly
- Coconut water jelly
- Coconut cream
- Use of coconut climbing device and solar drying
- Production of Activated charcoal

Agro-Processing Training Programme

Two Agro-Processing training programmes were conducted for stakeholders of Region 10. These
training programmes were facilitated by the Regional Democratic Council, Region # 10. Thirty
persons were exposed to the training held; 15 in each programme.

The first programme was held during the period April 8-9, 2019 and dealt with topics such as Food
Safety, Plant Maintenance and Sanitation, Production of condiments, Sauces, Green Seasonings,
Jams and Jellies and Marketing of Products. The Second programme was held on April 10, 2019 and
dealt with Food Safety, and the production of chicken.

In addition, a training programme on meat preservation was held on October 24, 2019, in Lethem
for stakeholders. This programme was organized by the Regional Democratic Council of Region # 9.

Certificates of Participation were awarded to the participants.

Image of a group of participants from the training programme

39
IPED’s Staff at GSA
The Institute of Private Enterprise Development, in its effort to continuously improve the quality of
service it offers to the farming community, sought the assistance of the School in having 88 of its
staff members exposed to training in the following areas:
(a) Cash crop production
(b) Broiler/Layer production
(c) Pig production
To satisfy this request, two one-day programmes were conducted on May 17 and 31, 2019.

Outreach Programmes
The School conducted annual outreach programmes at various Secondary Schools. These outreach
programmes were geared towards sensitizing students about careers in agriculture and role of the
Guyana School of Agriculture as it relates to agriculture development.

40
Upgrade of Facilities/ Purchase of Equipment
During the period 2015 – 2019, the school made significant strides in upgrading its facilities. A
number of capital and recurrent projects were undertaken. Below is a highlight of the major
upgrades.

Agro Processing Unit

From 2015 – 2019, the Agro processing Unit received a significantly large quantity of equipment.
These included the following:

 Vacuum packaging equipment - $ 1,000,000

 Industrial Oven - $1,000,000
 Commercial food processor - $1,000,000
 Commercial blender - $ 235,000
 Chiller [Large]- $665,000
 Pasteurizer – $1,713,000
 Refractometer (1-50 obrix) – $300,000
 Refractometer (50-900brix) $ 300,000

These items of equipment will not only improve the teaching/learning experience but also aid in
increasing the revenue generation capacity of the unit.

41
Image of a Pro Smoker Oven

Renewable Energy for Agro Processing Unit

The school has embarked on a mission to ensure that it uses energy in a sustainable manner to
reduce its carbon footprint. In keeping with this strategy, Grid Connected Solar Photo Voltaic
Systems have been installed at the School’s Agro processing Unit (one 10,000 KWH and one 7,000
KWH).

In addition, solar hot water systems have been installed at the School’s Agro Processing Unit,
Cafeteria and Livestock Farm.

The installation of these renewable energy systems will result in lower consumption of electricity
and reduce carbon footprint.

42
Image of the Solar Panels that generates 17,000 KWH Grid Connected Solar Photo Voltaic System

Control Panel for Solar PV System

Components of one of the Solar Hot Water Systems

Agriculture Equipment/ Inputs/Construction

During the period under review, the School’s Crop Farms received great support through the
purchase of equipment and inputs that were necessary for production. These inputs will help to give
the students a better learning experience, allow the school to provide training by way of modern
and efficient systems and also to increase its revenue generation capacity.

Equipment/ Inputs for the Crop Farm includes the following:

i. Tractor - $ 7,400,000

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ii. 3- disc plough - $ 450,000
iii. 24 disc mounted harrow- $450,000
iv. Dump trailer - $ 1,125,000
v. Irrigation System for Crop Farms (Drip and Sprinkle Irrigation System) – $2,425,000
vi. Other equipment $ 300,000

A Tractor, Dump Trailer and Tillage Equipment

Construction of a Shade house.

During 2018, a 4,200 square feet shade house was constructed. The shade house serves as a useful
model to provide training in climate resilient agriculture. The shade house was constructed at a cost
of $ 3,000,000.
In addition, a seedling nursery and a compost unit were constructed at the Essequibo campus to the
value of $1,000,000.

A section of the Shade house with Micro Sprinklers installed

44
Maintenance of Facilities
Several facilities have been upgraded/ rehabilitated in order to provide a more comfortable
environment for staff and students.

A Rehabilitated room in the male Pre-Fab Dorm

The Rehabilitated Reading Room

Installation of Fire Protection System

In an effort to put safety measures in place for students, staff and other stakeholders from the
School installed a Fire Protection system in 2018 at a cost of $ 7,553,000. The fire protection system
is a key requirement as it relates to Occupational Health and Safety.

45
Rehabilitation of Laboratories
Laboratories play an integral role in the delivery of a science-based curriculum since it provides the
ideal working environment for the conduct of the practical. The Biology Laboratory was
rehabilitated in 2017, while the Chemistry and Zoology laboratories were rehabilitated in 2019.

Rehabilitation costs were as follows:

i. Biology Laboratory - $ 3,486,000
ii. Zoology Laboratory - $ 4,027,000
iii. Chemistry Laboratory- $ 2,275,000
iv. Rehabilitation of Steel Roof of Plant Science Building
v. Installation of AC Units in Biology Laboratory and Reading Room - $ 1,200,000

The Chemistry Laboratory

46
The Zoology Laboratory

The Biology Laboratory

Rehabilitation of Bridge
The main bridge leading to the school’s compound was rehabilitated at the cost of $ 1,900,000 in
April 2019.

47
The Rehabilitated Bridge

Purchase of Cold Storage Appliance

The School’s cafeteria cold storage capacity has been enhanced through the purchase of two
Traulsen Reach-In Freezers and a Commercial standup refrigerator. The total cost of these items
amounted to $4,500,000.

Commercial Standup Refrigerator and Freezer

48
In an effort to enhance the efficiency of the school’s cafeteria an industrial stove and fryer were
purchased at the cost of $1,800,000.

The Industrial Fryer

Purchase of Equipment
Equipment purchased for the Livestock Farm during the period under review included the following:
i. Milking Machine -$ 2,000,000
ii. Plucking Machine - $400,000
iii. Meat Saw -$ 200,000

Rehabilitation of Pens
Several Poultry Pens were rehabilitated so as ensure that the pens are in an acceptable state to be
in operation.

49
The rehabilitated Poultry Pen

The rehabilitated Paddock

The Rehabilitated Swine Pen

50
Rehabilitation Works on the Corral

Construction of Poultry Pens

One Poultry pen was constructed on the Essequibo campus during the year 2017 at a cost of
$2,997,000.

Construction of one (200’ x 30’) 6,000 sq. ft. layer pen was also done on the School’s Livestock Farm
at Mon Repos in 2019, which will house over 3000 layers. This project is expected to significantly
increase egg production and revenue generated from same. Construction cost amounted to
approximately $12,000,000.

The New Layer Pen

Over the last five years, the school was able to make significant strides in maintaining/ rehabilitating
its facilities. The successful implementation of the capital projects as well as recurrent projects will
help the school to fulfill its mandate in a more efficient manner.

51
Hope Coconut Industries Limited
Hope Estate is located at Plantation Hope with approximately 3,000 acres. It accommodates cash
crop, cattle rearing and rice. It functions as a link between farmers and Ministry of Agriculture; it is
the main entity involved in coconut seedling production and sale in Guyana.

It is a fact that for agriculture to flourish and be efficient and sustainable, the infrastructure that
service the targeted area must be functional. This, however, was unlike what occurred at Hope
Estate over the past 15 years. The Estate suffered from severe mismanagement that resulted in
many of its essential infrastructure collapsing and in many cases, becoming non- functional and
obsolete.

It was fortunate for the Estate that interventions from its new management and guidance prevented
the situation from becoming crippling.

A Neglected Main Bridge found on the Estate

52
The neglected bridge was rebuilt
Today, the tides have turned for the better, since over the past three years close to $35 million
dollars were expended to fix several bridges, dams, main access road, extension and repairs of the
main office building, establishing of a coconut nursery and coconut demonstration plot – to name
a few. In addition, HCIL has embarked on a programme to continue to improve and maintain the
essential infrastructure of the Estate.

The poor access road

53
The Main Access Road restored

The Estate is now in a better financial position due to the rationalizing of its lease agreements with
tenant farmers coupled with increased coconut seedlings production. This has placed the agency in
a financially self-sustaining position and has made it easier for them to better serve the needs of
farmers.

Freshly prepared nursery beds

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The estate is capable of producing upwards of 50,000 coconut seedlings when at maximum capacity.
Its agreement with the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) sees it
producing roughly 1000 seedlings per week to provide for farmers.

Seedlings being watered

This is a positive development in the right direction. Minister Holder has always emphasized the
importance of creating the pathway and favorable environment for farmers to produce, who are
essentially risk takers. As such, the assurance was given by Minister Holder of both the
Government’s and the ministry’s continued support to improve the infrastructure at Hope Estate.

Over the years, these recent interventions have brought tremendous relief to both farmers and
residents of Hope Estate. The progress made and the current development plan will propel the
Estate forward and is a direct result of hard work and an unbending determination by the Ministry
of Agriculture, Board of Directors and management of HCIL working in close collaboration on the
Estate’s restorative programme which proved to be effective and is bearing the desired fruits.

55
NAREI
Located at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara in Region 4, the National Agricultural Research &
Extension Institute (NAREI) is the premier organisation responsible for spearheading agricultural
research and extension activities for productivity enhancement and diversification of the non-
traditional crops sector (fruits and vegetables), bio fuel development as well as for plant quarantine
services. NAREI’s vision is “to ensure food security, prosperity and livelihoods of all, using
technological innovations in agriculture.”

Over the years, the Institute has been actively engaged in adaptive research that focuses on
improving crop production/productivity for enhanced food security and rural development.
Emphasis is placed on crop diversification from high volume-low income to low volume-high income
crops such as spices and other cash crops, new vegetables, Integrated Pest Management approach
to managing biotic stresses, procurement and evaluation of exotic germplasm (black eye, corn and
soybean) of field crops, bio fuel crops, coconut and cassava revitalization, and technology
dissemination through the extension services. The promotion of Climate Smart Agricultural
Practices inclusive of protected agricultural systems for year round vegetable production,
hydroponics and drip irrigation is also given prominence.

NAREI’s strategic direction envisions the Institute as being the major facilitator for a prosperous,
food secure and environmentally sustainable Guyana. This will be achieved through enhancing
agricultural productivity and quality of produce through generation and dissemination of newer and
efficient technologies and services, reduced import of agri produce and products, reduced
malnutrition and environmental degradation, and enhanced exports taking into consideration the
changing global and business environments.

The execution of these core functions will be done through the implementation of specific sub-
divisional work programmes in the departmental/programme level of the institute. The main
subdivisions being:

1. Research Programmes
2. Extension, Training and Provision of Services
3. Hinterland Agriculture
4. Plant Quarantine (National Plant Protection Organization)
5. Mangrove Management

56
Crop Diversification
Crop diversification has been a major achievement of the National Agricultural Research and
Extension Institute (NAREI) over the last 5 years enabling the Ministry of Agriculture to record a 29.5
percent increase in production of non-traditional crops in the first half of 2019. In 2014, production
stood at 436,878 MT compared with 709,496 MT for 2018. NAREI’s diversification thrust has seen
expansion in acreages for ginger, pepper, turmeric, black pepper, carrots, new varieties of sweet
potatoes and onions encouraging more farmers to return to the land.

Carrots being grown in North Pakaraima

Peppers
Pepper production has been the star for many years but the introduction of new higher yielding
varieties has enabled production and export to see an all-time increase. In 2018, approximately
16,777 MT of pepper was produced compared with 9,668 in 2014 representing a 69.49 percentage
increase. This was credited to the efforts of NAREI to not only ensure farmers production and
productivity is safeguarded, but affording them access to new and improved varieties, technology
and training year round.

57
A hot pepper trial plot at NAREI

Ginger and Onions

Ginger and Onion has also performed well during the period under review. Guyana can once again
become the bread basket of the region in terms of production and export. In 2012, Ginger
production stood at a meager 762 mt with 8.29 tonnes being exported. Today, Guyana’s production
of Ginger is 27,959 mt in 2018 with an export value of $17,777,300. Farmers in Regions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,
6 and 10 are now growing the commodity on a commercial basis.
Onion production continues to be a thriving and lucrative industry in Guyana with production at an
all-time high with the support of research, advancement in soil suitability and agronomics,
implementation of improved farming practices, demonstration farms, improved irrigation systems
and technology transfer at the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI).
Increase in production of this commodity can significantly reduce the country’s import bill which
stood at US$1.185 million in 2018. In 2019 production increased by 3.196 percent with farmers in
Region 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10 expanding their cultivation.

Turmeric
Investments in turmeric on a commercial basis have resulted in increased production. With the
commissioning of the first ever turmeric factory in 2017 at Hosororo, Region 1 farmers have been
able to process their produce into a value-added commodity better enabling them to have more
returns from investment. For 2019, the sector recorded a 30.42 percent increase over its projected
2019 figures with farmers in regions 1 expanding their production.

58
The Turmeric Factory in Hosororo, Region 1

To effectively support this drive, NAREI also embarked on a number of infrastructural projects which
has enabled farmer’s livelihood to be secured. In 2015, the institute established its digital soil
database using GIS. This has enabled soil suitability surveys to be more accessible to farmers and
investors in a timely manner. Today, NAREI has an active soil database for regions 3, 4, 5, 6 and 10.

59
Mangrove Management

A Comparison of the Coast’s mangrove situation in 2013, and 2019 after extensive intervention

The Mangrove Restoration Project geared towards the protection of the country’s sea defenses
against flooding has seen massive investments by Government over the years due to the importance
being placed on climatic mitigation and adaptation strategies. In Guyana, mangroves provide
protection for over 90% of Guyana’s population who live within naturally low-lying flood prone areas
along the coast. Over the last five years, several interventions were undertaken as part of a National
Mangrove Management Action Plan for the sector. Among the many positives, the country has seen
an increase in construction of coastal engineering structures, hydrologic restoration and mangrove
seedlings and Spartina grass planting, the instillation of geotextiles tubes, brushwood dams and
rubber mound groynes at strategic locations in Regions 2, 4, 5 and 6.

60
A comparison of the mangrove destiny along the Essequibo Coast in 2014 with 2018

A total of $95.5M was allocated in 2019 alone allowing for an increase in intervention projects by
NAREI’s Mangrove Department. This is a steady increase in budgetary allocation by government
from $25M in 2016 and $45M and $40M in 2017 and 2018 respectively.

61
Guyana Marketing Corporation
The Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) is the only government led
agricultural and food marketing enterprise. The focus of the Guyana
Marketing Corporation has been concentrating on to opening of new
markets, transportation networks, packaging and labeling, training and
knowledge sharing. Specifically, to agro-processing GMC has been
contributing by means of Agro-processors’ forum, assisting with sourcing
packaging material, nutritional labels, providing technical guidance to
Agro-processors in terms of the development of their labels, linkages to
agencies that provide financial assistance, etc.

The GMC provides market and marketing information, advises on the availability of produce, freight
and other marketing matters, conducts market studies for local and overseas markets, participates
in trade fairs to promote Guyana’s fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as agro-processed products,
conducts training programs for farmers, exporters & other stakeholders, monitors daily wholesale
and retail prices from local markets and provides linkage between exporters, agro-processors and
farmers of non-traditional agricultural commodities, etc.

The Guyana Shop and the Packaging Facilities are the other main departments of the GMC. Whilst
the Guyana Shop promotes the sale and consumption of locally produced and manufactured non-
traditional agricultural produce and products, the Packaging Facility facilities for the preparation of
fresh produce for export.

Export promotion is a core function of the Guyana Marketing Corporation. During 2015 to 2019 the
average annual exports of non-traditional commodities stood at approximately 10,000 metric
tonnes with a valued of about G$3 billion per year, with coconut, pumpkin, watermelon, eddo,
pineapples, mango among the top exports.

Successful Market Linkages

There were several successful market linkages created between Farmers and Exporters, Farmers
and Agro-processors, Exporters and Agro-processors. GMC’s Officers acted as the medium for
creating the initial link between the relevant stakeholders in a bid to assist them with the marketing
of their products.

62
Barbados
The GMC and the Barbados Agricultural Development & Marketing Corporation (BADMC) through
a successful linkage resulted in a new exporter with watermelons, pumpkins and plantains to
Barbados. Additionally, the BADMC team was interested in purchasing unique Guyanese products,
including, cassava, pineapples, seafood, peanut butter, local flours, coconut products, dried fruits
and raw materials for animal feeds. As a direct result, there were shipments of preserved carambola
and coconut oil to Barbados.

St. Kitts
The Corporation facilitated a new linkage between an importer from St. Kitts and a local exporter.
As a result, 57metric tonnes of commodities were successfully exported to St. Kitts, comprising of
water coconuts, muskmelon, butternut squash, peeled tamarind, mamey apple, pointer brooms,
honeydew melons, dried coconuts along with other fruits and vegetables. Moreover, for the first
time in history, a 40ft container totaling 26 metric tonnes of water coconuts was prepared at the
Central Packaging Facility and exported to St. Kitts.

GMC and RAID Project

In its bid to create successful market linkages between farmers and exporters, the Corporation has
organized several meetings between farmers from the RAID Groups and exporters of teas and dried
herbs. As a result of the meetings, one of the exporters was supplied with the necessary
commodities and they are expected to begin supplying the other exporter in 2020.

Parika Processing Facility

Increase value added production in order to meet local and export needs – In 2018 Guyana imported
G$48.6Million worth of banana and plantain chips.

GMC commissioned the Parika Processing Facility in February 2020, that will focus on the production
of value added products, chips, that is targeted mainly to the export market. Some of the expected
benefits of this facility include; increased exports of local products and increased investment in the
agro-processing industry; an improved business model for enterprises in agro-processing; new
employment opportunities for vulnerable groups such as women and youth created; and agro
processors to benefit from a facility with improved production and marketing standards. It is valued
at G$50 million and will create employment for 20 persons directly and indirectly.

Plantain has always been appointed an export potential crop, it is one of our priority crops for
development of the Ministry of Agriculture. The facility will benefit approximately one hundred

63
(100) plantain farmers primarily in region three, since approximately 6000 pounds of plantains will
be utilized in the facility on a weekly basis and, by extension, approximately 24,000 pounds of
plantains on a monthly basis.

Government has invested in this facility to be a pilot for the snack food industry. Plantain chips will
be produced and exported to Canada and other countries by Guyana Marketing Corporation. With
the brand ‘HANA’ plantain chips. “HANA” means “River” in the Guyanese Warau Indigenous
Amerindian language. It was so named since the facility is in close proximity to the mighty Essequibo
River.

Plans are in place to develop additional flavors of plantain chips and other types of chips over the
coming years. Further, plans are in place to develop a model which will allow for the utilization of
this facility by agro-processors and exporters.

Market Extension, Capacity Building and Training for Farmers and

Agro-processors
Over two thousand (2000) farmers and agro-processors were trained by GMC in all the regions over
the last 3 years. Training was provided by the market extension officers in the areas of Post- Harvest
Management, Cost of Production, Good Agricultural Practices, Marketing, Book Keeping, Exporting,
Group Development and Agri-business Development. More specifically the training sessions were
held in Upper Pomeroon , Lower Pomeroon, Supenaam Creek, Parika Back, Naamryck Back, Ruby
back, Morasika , Aliki , Berribissiballi , Lanaballi Hog Island, Hague, Canals 1 & 2, Friendship, Craig,
Kuru Kuru, Hillfoot, Laluni, Now or Never (Mahaicony),Cotton Tree, Little Biaboo, Mara, Black Bush
Polder, West Watooka, Speightland, Siriki, Grant Cullen, Bethany, Hague and Plegtanker, Mara,
Crabwood Creek, Mocha, Kabakuri, Laluni, Bath Settlement and Buxton.

Figure 1: Packaging and Labeling Training for Agro- Figure 2: Training in Business Accounting for
processors Farmers at Laluni

64
 Figure 3: Cost of Production for farmers at Buxton Figure 4: Agri-business development training in Region 1

Taking the Guyana Shop National

The Guyana Shop has
continued to undertake
“Taking the Guyana Shop National” initiative. This
initiative entails establishing partnerships with owners
and/ or supervisors of supermarkets, hotels, mini
marts and ports of entry and exit. These partnerships
would see the Guyana Shop acting as a distributor of
locally manufactured commodities, especially in
instances where the small to medium scale
manufacturers are unable to directly supply these
entities. Over the past 5 years, the Guyana Shop has
established partnerships with at least thirteen (13)
entities in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 10. Notably, the
Guyana Shop supplies Wine Vault, G&P Jaigobin and
Sons and Food Maxx.
Figure 5: Guyana Shop Corner
Additionally, there has an increase in the agro-
processing sector nationally, as evident in the range in
new products in the Guyana Shop. From 2013 to 2019 there has been 344 new products.

65
Development of the Local Agro-processing Sector
Training
2015: A collaborative workshop with the Guyana School of Agriculture was undertaken in June 2015
at the Processing Facility of the institution. Nine agro-processors benefitted from a Pepper Making
Demonstration. By the end of 2015, two of the Agro-processors’ pepper sauce were shelved at the
Guyana Shop and other retail outlets.
2017: In 2017, GMC and the Guyana School of Agriculture collaborated on a training on the
production of Jams and Jellies. This initiative targeted 10 producers from Regions 4 and 10.
2019: Further, in 2019, GMC in collaboration with the RDC 10, provided training in the
manufacturing of pepper sauce, green seasoning and preserved carambola to 12 women from
Coomacka Mines. Ten (10) additional agro-processors were also trained in pepper making in
November 2019, as Corporation strives to improve the quality of the locally manufactured products.
Both training sessions were facilitated by Guyana School of Agriculture.

Linkages with Packaging Material Suppliers

In an attempt to ensure that agro-processors have access to reliable supplies of packaging materials,
through constant negotiations with a supplier of packaging materials, glass jars are now readily
available for sale to Agro-processors. Further, the supplier has also expanded their supply of
packaging materials to include bottles. Additionally, through GMC’s facilitation representatives
from several packaging and labeling companies met with the agro-processors. This was done in a
bid to ensure that agro-processors have access to the best quality packaging materials at affordable
prices. Through, these meetings, a new large scale packaging material supplier has begun providing
packaging for agro-processors. Further, the Corporation has embarked on a project which will see
the corporation purchasing packaging materials for sale to agro-processors.

The Computation of Nutritional Facts

As the Corporation continued to ensure that agro-processors are compliant with the international
packaging and labeling requirements, the Guyana Marketing Corporation, through Promotion of
Regional Opportunities for Produce through Enterprises and Linkages (PROPEL) has acquired the
Genesis R&D software, which is used to compute nutritional facts for products. Over the last five
years, over 285 nutritional facts labels were computed for various products. Nutritional facts were
generated for entities such as the Guyana School of Agriculture, Alpha Foundation College, Gobin’s
Farm & Kitchen, Wowetta Women’s Agro-processors, Marcia’s Products, Major’s Food
Manufacturing, Kuru Kururu Farmers Crop and Livestock Association, SS Natural Fruit Flavor, Luke’s
Manufacturing, Perisher Organic Food Processors, Helping Hand Women Producers Co-operative
Society Ltd., GLDA among others.

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Resuscitation of the Guyana Non-traditional Agricultural Exporters Association
Through the efforts of GMC, the Guyana Non-traditional Agricultural Exporters Association was
resuscitated. Further, with the aim to continue promoting linkages among farmers, buyers and
service providers; and to establish a social relationship among farmers within Guyana, the Guyana
Marketing Corporation (GMC), through its Extension Department coordinated four exchange visits
with over 60 farmers.
One such visit was when the members of the Association met with farmers in Sandvoort and
Crabwood Creek respectively. They interacted with farmers from Mara, Sandvoort, Adventure,
Philippi, Nurney, Crabwood Creek and other villages along the Corentyne Coast. The visits saw over
38 farmers, which included mentor farmers, attending the sessions with the executive members of
the Guyana Non-traditional Agriculture Exporters Association (GNTAEA).
The group discussed ways in which they can work together to ensure farmers are adequately paid
for their produce. Additionally, they discussed the importance of selling quality produce for export,
market-led production and the importance of properly transporting fresh fruits and vegetables to
the packaging facilities in order to maintain quality.

Farmers Exchange Visits

GMC in a bid to strengthen the relationship between famers across the country, embarked on an
initiative to organize farmers’ exchange visits. Thus far exchange visits were coordinated between
farmers of Crabwood Creek and Parika and Mocha and Parika. Over 60 farmers benefitted from
these visits. They were able to learn from each other’s experiences and provide guidance to each
other on various farming practices.

Figure 8: Farmers Exchange Visit in Parika Figure 9: Farmers' Exchange visit held in Mocha

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GMC’s Farmers Market Day
Over the last five years, GMC has successfully hosted its farmers and agro-processors market day
each year. Initially, the market day was once a year, however, with the continued success of the
initiative, the Market day was held twice in 2018 and thrice in 2019. Thus far over seventy (70)
farmers and agro-processors have benefitted from the opportunity to market their products and
create long-term linkages with buyers.

Figure 10: GMC’s Market Day Figure 11: Farmers Market Day, held at
Durban Park

Promotion of Guyanese Products Internationally

Over the years, GMC has been actively involved in the international promotion of Guyanese
commodities. So much so, that the Corporation has participated in several international trade fairs
and exhibitions such as Guyana Folk Festival in Brooklyn, New York, Caribbean Week of Agriculture,
Agro Fest, Last Lap in Canada, Trade and Investment Convention in Trinidad and FIHAV 2019 Trade
Fair in Cuba, among others.

Figure SEQ Figure \* ARABIC 4: FIHAV 2019 in

Havana, Cuba

Figure SEQ Figure \* ARABIC 3: FIHAV 2019 in

Havana, Cuba
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Hinterland Development
Over the past five years, the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) has been increasing its reach in
the Hinterland areas. GMC has officers stationed in Regions 1 and 7 and there is an Officer who is
assigned to Region 9 but also has responsibility for all the Hinterland areas.

Region 1
Agri-business Outreach was conducted in the Mabaruma Kumaka Sub-District where a total of 33
farmers were in attendance. Further in 2019, GMC in collaboration with Partners of the Americas
through its Farmer to Farmer Program and Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, trained 75
farmers and agro-processors in Business Accounting.

Region 7
In Bartica, 23 persons were trained in Agri-business Development, Fundamentals of Marketing and
Product Development and Labeling requirements in 2018. Additionally, in 2019, the Corporation
conducted follow-up training on packaging labeling, so as to help the agro-processors to prepare for
the Rural Agricultural and Commercial Exhibition in Bartica.

GMC also participated in the Market Day at Kamarang. The Market Day attracted visitors form
Warawatta, Waramadong and Kamarang. GMC also used this opportunity to conduct an agri-
business session with farmers of Paurima and the villagers of Kamarang. There were 25 persons in
attendance to receive information on the roles and services of GMC, Marketing, Good Agro-
processing Practices and requirements of packaging and labeling.

In addition, the Corporation in collaboration with IICA and PROPEL have conducted marketing
training in Orealla where 36 participants attended.

Region 9
GMC Team visited and held consultation sessions in eleven (11) villages in Region 9. The villages
included Annai, Wowetta, Bina Hill, Rupertee, Aranaputa, Parishara, Nappi, Hiawa, St. Ignatius,
Quarrie and Moco Moco. This exercise served as an opportunity to interact with current and
potential agro-processors and to ascertain their production capacity as well as their constraints.
The GMC Region 9 outreach team also participated in the Rupununi Stakeholders Business Forum.
This meeting was held with the hope of fostering innovative business solutions that are viable,
economically feasible and socially and environmentally sustainable for Region 9. It also intended to
create a platform for networking in critical areas of agriculture business development among local,
national, regional actors and stakeholders. In attendance, among others, were representatives from
IICA, Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs and Conservation International. Further, over the years,
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the Corporation has participated in the Rodeo Exhibition, using the opportunity to showcase local
products and provide product ideas for new and existing agro-processors.

Over the years, the Corporation has held several workshops in Region 9, especially in Lethem. These
workshops focused on cost of production, packaging and labeling, product development and
marketing, among other areas related to agri-business development. Several of these workshops
were held in collaboration with IICA, Small Business Bureau and GO-Invest. Most recently, GMC, in
collaboration with Partners of the Americas, through its Farmer to Farmer Program, trained farmers
and agro-processors in contracts and agreements.

Additionally, the Corporation assisted several hinterland women’s groups in the areas of logo and
label development, acquisition of a promotional banner, business cards and packaging material
along with the facilitation of business registrations.
The Corporation, after observing, the wide variety of farine that is manufactured by indigenous
groups, organized a Farine Fiesta in collaboration with IICA, Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs
the Amerindian Development Fund. At this event several of the groups were able to display their
products and there were also displays of both traditional and innovative dishes made from farine.

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Fisheries Department
The Fisheries Department is responsible for managing, regulating and promoting the sustainable
development of the nation’s fishery resources for the benefit of the participants in the sector and
the national economy. The Fisheries sector is made up of three primary components: Marine
Fishery, Aquaculture and Inland Fishery. The department achieves its mission through the following
divisions:

• Administration: To provide the relevant support services necessary for the development and
maintenance of fisheries programmes and activities.

• Statistical Unit: To collect and analyze data and conduct surveys to provide scientific and
social-economic information for policy determination, planning and resource management. The key
responsibilities include: Market Survey Activity, Management of Data Entry and Storage, Production
and Management of Individual Export License’s forms.

• Legal and Inspectorate Unit: To ensure the observance of all legal and administrative
requirements by all entities in the fishery sub-sector and recommended appropriate charges to
existing regulations which govern the Sector. The key responsibilities include: Registration and
Licensing of fishing vessels, License and inspect fish processing plant, Conduct enforcement and
surveillance activities of fishing vessels, Monitor the industrial fleet/artisanal compliance with
license conditions, Monitor and conciliate complaints and disputes at the center and the regions,
Issue export licenses for fish and fish products, Ensure the collection of revenue under the Fisheries
Act

• Aquaculture: To ensure that aquaculture and inland fisheries is developed in a sustainable

and controlled manner optimizing economic and environmental benefits.

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Marine Stewardship Council Certification Achievements

Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder (center) flanked by awardees at a special cocktail reception held in their honour (2019)

In 2009, the seabob fishery underwent Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) pre-assessment. The pre-
assessment highlighted several obstacles to certification. The MSC is an international non-profit
organization which recognizes and rewards efforts made to protect and safeguard seafood for the
future. Through its eco-label and fishery certification program, MSC seeks to contribute to a healthy
ocean and influence the choices made by consumers when purchasing seafood. Once MSC is
achieved by Guyana for its seabob fishery, a blue eco-label will be placed on the product which
indicates that the seabob can be traced back through the supply chain to a fishery that has been
certified against the MSC standard. Currently, the SWG continues to work towards MSC certification
for the seabob fishery. Since then the industry developed an action plan to address these obstacles.

1. A Seabob Working Group (SWG) was established to guide the Guyana Association of Trawling
Owners and Seafood Processors (GATOSP) in achieving MSC certification.
2. In 2013 a stock assessment was conducted on the seabob fishery, which resulted in the
development of a Harvest Control Rule (HCR) in 2014.
3. With the HCR in place, seabob vessels efforts are restricted to 225 days at sea and the
implementation of a Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE with varying indicator levels. Negative
change in the CPUE, reduce the number of days at sea a vessel would have in the following
year

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4. In 2014, a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) was implemented (full implementation in 2015)
and made mandatory for all seabob vessels. The spillover effect resulted in prawn vessels
also being equipped.
5. The seabob and prawn fishery are the only officially zoned fishery in Guyana, each vessel
type can fish between varying depths. Seabob vessel trawl between 8 – 18 fathoms as of
April 16, 2018 (vessels trawled between 7 – 18 fathoms from 2015 – April 15, 2018). Prawn
vessel are permitted to fish above 18 fathoms.
6. The reduction of by-catch is an important aspect of sustainable fishing, as such by-catch
reduction devices (BRD) are a mandatory on all seabob trawlers from 2015.
7. The General Marine Fisheries Regulations entered into 2018, before the regulation was
entered into force a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was established to have the
Fisheries Department enforce the Draft Regulations, Draft Guyana Marine Fisheries
Management Plan 2013 – 2018 and Draft Seabob Fisheries Management Plan 2015 – 2020.
8. Guyana Marine Fisheries Management Plan 2013 – 2020 and Guyana Seabob Fisheries
Management 2015 – 2015 was adopted in 2019.
9. Established a one-year Observer Programme in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund
(WWF) in 2016.
10. Developed a Last Haul Programme to collect data on discards from the seabob fishery in
2017.
11. Implementation of Observer Programme by the Fisheries Department in 2018.
12. Collaborated with the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) on
multiple projects:
a. Review of the Draft Guyana Marine Fisheries Management Plan 2013 – 2018 and Draft
Seabob Fisheries Management Plan 2015 – 2020 and the Captain’s Code of Conduct,
b. Conducted an assessment on some commercial by-catch species. The Fisheries
Department provided the data necessary to have the assessment done.
c. Conducted an assessment ecosystem and habitat with a goal of providing maps of the
marine habitat and linking catch data with VMS data.
d. Two Fisheries Staff and the Project Coordinator were trained for 2 weeks at Cefas in the
UK on stock assessments, port and offshore sampling and habitat mapping.
e. Trained the Fisheries Department in database management and R / RStudio to provide
the ability to analyze data from the stock assessments and the habitat and ecosystem
primarily in February 2017.
f. Conducted a mini assessment on Principle 2 to guide SWG in improving overall score in
the Monitoring Control and Surveillance (MCS) process.
g. Provide special training to 2 Fisheries Department on the training of observers in January
2018 at Cefas.

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13. Data limitations have been restrictive in achieving MSC, to fill the gap, several collaborated
researches were conducted between 2016 – 2018:
- Mapping of benthic habitats on the Guyana shelf, 2018.
- Guyana commercial sampling scheme and stock assessment on three key commercial
species, 2018.
- Impact of Guyana seabob trawl fishery on marine habitats and ecosystems: A preliminary
assessment, 2018.
-
14. Enhanced MCS activities in the seabob fishery with the mandatory implementation of Close
Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras on all seabob trawlers.
15. Conducted a second stock assessment on the seabob fishery in 2019.
16. Improved data collection on Endangered, Threatened and Protected (ETP) species through
vigorous training (internal and external) and strategic data collection schemes from 2015
onwards.
17. Captains of the seabob fishery were trained annually on the best practices as it relates to all
management documents (12.a). To reduce marine pollution, emphasis is also placed on the
proper disposal of garbage out at sea. All seabob vessels have garbage bins

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Port State Measures Agreement Achievement

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture Mr. George Jervis and FAO Country Rep. Mr. Reuben Robertson accompanied by
the CFO Mr. Denzil Roberts while signing the PSMA in September, 2016

In 2016 Guyana became the 25th State to sign the Port State Measure Agreement (PSMA) which has
now entered into force. Since the ratification, the Fisheries Department has worked to develop its
technical proficiency and capacity in the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing
(IUU). The following achievements were met regarding the reduction of IUU fishing:
1. Stakeholder training on the implementation of the PSMA by the Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO) in 2017.
2. Guyana is now an active member of the Western Central Atlantic Fisheries Commission
(WECAFC) Regional Working Group on IUU (RWG-IUU) fishing.
3. The Department is currently working on developing the national Working Group on PSMA.
4. Surveillance and enforcement activities have increased nationally.
- In 2018, three (3) seabob trawler captains were charged for fishing in Guyana’s waters
without a Turtle Excluder Device (TED). Two were found guilty of the offence and one
was acquitted.
5. Through collaboration with various agencies (MARAD, Coast Guard, Marine Police, GEA)
aerial reconnaissance operations are conducted multiple times a year.

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Trainees benefitting from a training programme at the Satyadeow Sawh Aquaculture Station

The aquaculture industry in Guyana has huge potential to provide a sustainable supply of aquatic
products to its local, regional and international markets. The achievement of this has been a work
in progress in which the fisheries department is targeting key areas of constraints in its annual work
plan.

Research- Aqua feed

The areas where the department has made progress would include the issue of affordable and
readily available feed to local farmers. Research has been, and continues to be conducted on
sourcing locally available ingredients for the formulation and development of a cost effective aqua
feed. The impact of this for the major species such as tilapia, tambaqui and shrimp would mean
greater growth rate, shorter production cycles and in turn higher profits. It is expected that private
investors and large farmers will utilize the formulation in contributing to the creation of a fish feed
sector within Guyana.

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Aquaponics training in secondary schools
Aquaponics is an automatic recirculating system involving the farming of fish (aquaculture) and
plants (hydroponics) together. The waste produced by the farmed fish supplies the nutrients for
plants grown hydroponically, which in turn purifies the water for the fish. Aquaponics can be
practiced on both a large and small scale where space and water are limited. The inputs are few and
does not require the use of pesticides and fertilizers. The use of this type of farming can convert
small backyards into productive areas.

Basic introductory knowledge of methods, advantages, management and care of aquaponics was
imparted to the students and teachers along with the installation of an aquaponics unit was
conducted at 17 secondary schools in regions 2,3,4,5,6,9 and 10. This exercise has received positive
feedback from the students and teachers. It is expected to boost interest and promote aquaculture
among youths.

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Date and Fisheries School Number of Status
Officer Participants
th
26 April, 2018 New Campbellville 60 The system is functional and is in good condition.
Secondary They have harvested lettuce, pakchoi, tomatoes
1.N.Dookie and celery.
2.J.Doolall
3.L.Hall

29th May, 2018 BV Secondary School 15 The system is functional and is in good condition.
They have harvested lettuce and pakchoi,
1.N.Dookie, tomatoes.
2.J.Doolall, 3.L.Hall,
4.J.Douglas

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31st May, 2018 Mahaicony 115 The system is functional and is in good condition.
Secondary School In 2019, the system was extended to increase
6th June, 2019 production. They have harvested lettuce and
pakchoi, tomatoes.
1.N.Dookie,
2.S.Oudith,
3.L.Hall, 4.J.Douglas

4th June, 2018 Canje Secondary 55 The system is functional and is in good condition.
School They have harvested lettuce pakchoi, and
1.S.Oudith, tomatoes.
2.J.Douglas,
3.D.Ramsaywack

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27th June, 2018 Cyril Potter College of 18 Training on introductory knowledge of methods,
Education advantages, management and care of
1.S.Oudith aquaponics was imparted. No demonstration
unit was installed.

23rd July, 2018 Wismar/Christiansbu 20 The system is not functional. There has been a
rg Secondary School lack of interest in maintaining the system.
1.N. Dookie
2.J. Douglas

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10th November, 2018 Stewartville 25 The system is functional and is in good condition.
Secondary School They have harvested lettuce and pakchoi.

17th May, 2019 New Amsterdam 45

Multilateral School

21st May, 2019 JC Chandi Singh 28 System installed.

Secondary School

11th June, 2019 Durban Backlands 30 System installed.

Practical Instruction
Centre

12th June, 2019 Zeeburg Secondary 31 System installed.

School
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13th June, 2019 McKenzie High School 40 System installed.

20th June, 2019 Charity Secondary 20 System installed.

School
18 th September, University of Guyana- 20 System installed.
2019 Tain campus
27th October, 2019 St. Ignatius Secondary 20 System installed.

September St. Josephs High 15 System installed.

October St. Roses High School 25 System installed.

Will be installed in Charlestown

September- Dec, Secondary School
2019

Aquaponics at the Satyadeow Sawh Aquaculture Station (SSAS)

The SSAS has over the past five years experimented with varying designs and materials to
recommend to farmers. Research was conducted in 2016 using 4 growth media- sand, ¾ stones,
water and sifting. The analysis showed the ¾ stones showed greater plant and fish growth.
Compaction was experienced in the sand and sifting which may have affect the plant growth. The
current horizontal design has a capacity to house 315 plants with 100 fishes to encourage farmers
to adopt the technology.

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Capacity building
Specialized training in areas of critical needs.
2016
Tambaqui propagation workshop
Critical skill set was needed and was received from FAO. Currently working on breeding tambaqui
to supply farmers.

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) volunteer attachment for aquatic feed
formulation.
Training with JICA volunteer resulted in improved capacity of staff to formulate and produce fish
feed.

2017 & 2018

Training courses on aquatic product trade and market development for developing countries,
freshwater fisheries.

Technical support
2019- FAO
Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP)/GUY/3701: Strengthening the strategic and
regulatory framework for inland fisheries and aquaculture development in Guyana
Technical support was granted from the FAO to support the Fisheries department quest to have in
effect an Inland and Aquaculture regulation to better manage the sustainable development of the
industries. The project will run from 2019 to 2021 at a value of $100,000USD. This would have direct
impacts on how the industry will be managed.

Observation, Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Vessel

In 2019 the Fisheries Department acquired a vessel for the department to perform dual roles
(Observer and Monitor, Control and Surveillance (MSC) activities. The brand new vessel was
acquired at a cost of $99 Million Guyana dollars. This vessel will be used to ensure that the fishing
boats are working within the regulations and utilizing their gears in the right manner. It will also be
used for research purposes as staff has undergone several capacity building courses inclusive of
Masters and Undergraduate studies relating to fisheries specific areas and in countries such as
China, Iceland, Canada, United Kingdom and CARICOM countries

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The New Vessel as it arrives at the Fishery Department’s Wharf Ruimveldt

Exports
Fisheries stands as the third largest Agri-export in Guyana. In addition to this, Guyana is the largest
seabob producer/exporter in the world, catering to 45% of the global Seabob market. In 2019,
20,442mt of seafood products were exported, a slight decline from the 24,131mt exported in 2018
and 26,377mt in 2017.

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Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB)
The Guyana Rice Development Board Act of 1994 established the GRDB as a corporate body. The
general functions of the GRDB are to (1) develop the rice industry and promote the exportation of
rice, (2) establish facilities and undertake research on rice production for the benefit of farmers, and
(3) engage in other promotional and development activities to develop the rice industry.

The GRDB was designed to be a policy making and regulatory body. As established, the GRDB is also
a facilitator of selected activities within the rice industry that is now owned, and operated by the
private sector. In addition to its regulatory activities; GRDB works along with stakeholders in the
following area:

• Export and Trade Facilitation: This department is solely responsible for the preparation of all
relevant documentation for the exporting of rice from Guyana. They also assist in the facilitation of
Foreign Investors in the purchase of Guyana’s rice or other rice products where necessary.
• Quality Control: This department is responsible for ensuring that the quality of rice for both
local consumption and exports meets the requisite specifications. They also train Farmers, Millers
Workers and Exporters in areas of Quality Management.
• Research: The unit is based at the Rice Research Station at Burma, Mahaicony, where new
varieties and strains are developed, so that farmers can have access to plants that are more
conducive to providing a better quality and higher volumes of grain. Technological innovations and
improvements are also tested at this location.
• Extension (Technology Transfer): This department is responsible for the transfer of
technology from the Research Station to the farmer. Extension Officers, based in all the regions,
regularly meet with farmers and serve as an advisory body to assist the farmers in the acquisition
of inputs, the retooling with new technology available, and/or information dissemination of
pertinent data that could lead to improved and more productive husbandry practices. Where
demonstrations are needed the Extension Officers provide this service, thus also acting as
educators/facilitators/enablers to the farmers.

Over the last five years, the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) has managed to achieve a
number of milestones and accomplishments in the sector. They have also upgraded their technology
to better serve rice farmers across Guyana. One such technological Upgrade has been the
commissioning of a brand new Seed Cleaning Facility.

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The Seed Cleaning Facility
The seed cleaner equipment cost $99.3Million while renovation to the existing building was
completed for $10.4Million. Minister of Agriculture, the Hon. Noel Holder commissioned the
‘Superbrix’ 10-tonne seed cleaner. He had noted that the modernized facility will continue to
provide good quality seed. These better-quality seeds would increases yield by 10-15 percent. The
new machinery produces over 650 bags of paddy daily.

The Brand New Seed Cleaning Machinery

The previous 2-tonne seed cleaner that was being utilized required that operations be done on a
24-hour basis when seeds were being cleaned. The machine was over 10 years old.

With this new high-quality system, the Burma Rice Research Station has been able to clean the seed
that it produces at a faster rate, thus reducing extended working hours.

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GRDB-15
The rice research station has over these years have made even more remarkable strides. There was
the launch of the GRDB-15 which was praised by one seasoned farmer Ganga Persaud who had this
to say, “This magnificent variety has very good promise for the future of the rice industry. It
germinates equally and easily, it grows well in deep water and it gains height very quickly. It has
deep penetrating roots and coarse stems; also, a large spread of leaves and the pads on the panicles
[seed heads] are compact and have an average of 217-227 grains,”

Minister Holder at the launch ceremony of the GRDB-15

There has been a sizeable Increase in acreage cultivated; growing from 151,311 hectares sown in
2016 to 178,628 hectares sown in 2019. 6,320 hectares of new lands were taken up for rice
cultivation across the rice cultivation regions during this period. Additionally Paddy Production has
increased from 822,229 tonnes to 1,049,440 tonnes in 2019.

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Rice Being Produced at Quarrie Village, Rupununi, Region 9

88
Paddy Production yield has increased from 5.5 ton/hectare in 2015 to 5.91 ton/hectare in 2019. This
increase was possible due to the introduction of new varieties along with the Improved Agronomic
Practices been transferred to the farmers.

Approximately 300 crosses (hybridization) were made to create new variability, out of which more
than 4,000 new breeding materials were developed. In excess of 200 advanced breeding lines were
identified and studied in detail, out of which, 18 were placed in Replicated Yield Trials in four
locations across the country during First Crop, 2020. One ‘Candidate Variety’ was identified. This
candidate variety was tested in farmers’ fields across the country for the first crop of 2020.

The Candidate Variety being harvested

Farmer Field School, Outreaches and Training

The GRDB trained an average of 2,670 rice farmers through the Farmer Field Schools Approach,
Farmers Outreaches, and Demonstrations etc.

 Improved Agronomic Practices on rice cultivation, which include: Time of planting,

seed density, seed treatment, balanced nutrition, water and weed management.
 Identification and control measure of early, mid and late season pests
 Usage of protective gear for seed treatment and broadcasting of treated paddy.
 Paddy Bug and Red Rice Management.
 Benefits of balanced nutrition for the crop especially using Potassium during the
second fertilisation
 How to compute cost of production for rice.

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Training of Farmers on Agronomic Practices

From 2015 to 2019 a total of 12 Farmers Field Days were held. Farmers field days are held on a crop
basis that bring farmers together from across the various rice growing regions who share their
experience through an interactive session with Extension officers and Research Scientists. Over the
past 5 years, Farmer field days were held at Perseverance and Hoff-En-Aurich Region 2, Hauge and
Windsor Forest Region 3, Little Biaboo Mahaica, Cane Grove Mahaica, Fair Field Mahaica, De Hoop
Mahaica, and Cotton Tree WCB Regions 4 & 5. Black Bush Polder and #19 Corentyne Region 6.

90
Farmers being presented with a booklet on red rice

Farmers being trained in Grading

In 2019 GRDB assisted rice farmers to control paddy bug by spraying their dams, meres, trenches
and abandoned fields i.e. fields that were not cultivated with rice for some time. A total of 180 liters
of contact insecticide was used to spray and a total of 421 farmers benefitted from this exercise.

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Spraying of Paddy Bugs

Exports
The GRDB’s 2019 export report revealed that roughly USD $222,725,660 was earned through the
export of rice to more than 35 countries in that year alone. The export value for 2019 represents an
increase of 19% when compared to the income generated from the export value of 2018 (USD
$186,057,006).

Rice Being Loaded for export

In addition to more exports and greater revenue from exports, the GRDB also engaged a number of
new markets including Mexico, Benin, and The Ivory Coast

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Revenue from exports in 2019 totaled US$222.7 million when compared with the US$186 million
the previous year. Guyana exported 526,617 tonnes of paddy, rice and rice by-products last year as
compared to 470,312 tonnes in 2018, an increase of 12 per cent. Despite the export in 2019 being
slightly lower than 2015, the revenue gained was greater due to higher sales of processed rice and
rice products along with a lower cost of production for paddy.

Capacity Building
Extension Officers received training on Varietal Development, Management of insects/pests in rice,
integrated approach to manage red rice, Identification and managing diseases in rice,
Communication in Extension and Farmer Field Schools, Seed Certification, Project Management,
correct use of pesticides, domestic violence, Information Technology.

Disaster Reduction, Climate Change and Adaptation of Good Practices

93
These officers would then educate farmers on cultivating paddy under climate smart conditions
under the project “Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation of Good Practices”. The
project was in collaboration with the FAO and was done in Regions 5 and 6.

Licensed Grader Training

A session of the Licensed Grader Training

On an annual basis a Licensed Graders Training Programme is held throughout the regions. A total
of 239 persons were trained to grade paddy and rice. In 2015 43 persons were trained, 43 in 2016,
66 in 2017, 42 in 2018 and 45 in 2019.

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Licensed Grader Training in Region 6

Farmers were trained at a one day session in each region for 2015 to 2019. One hundred and thirty
(130) farmers were trained for the period. The training was aimed at providing farmers with the
requisite knowledge that would allow them to determine the quality and quantity of paddy sold to
mills.

In accordance with the Rice Factories Act, 283 persons were issued with a licence to grade paddy
and rice. 2015 -101 persons, 2016 – 66 persons, 2017 – 21 persons, 2018 – 69 persons and 2019 –
26 persons.

Graders Licences are renewed biennially. Seventy seven (77) licensed graders are presently
operating at rice mills throughout the country.

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ISO Certification
Implementation of the revised standard GYS211:2014 – Rice Specification for grading paddy and
rice commenced throughout the industry in 2019. Employees of GRDB, licensed graders and farmers
were trained on a new methodology for certification of rice prior to its implementation.

GRDB presents its ISO Certification

The Central Laboratory of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) was accredited to the
international standard; ISO/IEC 17025 “General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and
Calibration Laboratories” by the Jamaica National Agency for Accreditation (JANAAC) in the year
2015. At that time the GRDB Central Laboratory was the first testing laboratory in Guyana to achieve
international accreditation to the ISO/IEC 17025 Standard. This accreditation has a four year cycle
with a yearly surveillance.

In the year 2019, the Central Laboratory has transitioned its laboratory operations, this was due to
the fact that the standard to which it was accredited was revised (ISO /IEC17025:2017: “General

96
Requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories”). Surveillance assessment
was further conducted by the accreditation body JANAAC for the revised standard. The Central
Laboratory was further accredited in 2019.

The Central Laboratory continues to maintain its certification status to the GYS 170 Standard
“General Requirements for the operation laboratory. This certification has a two year cycle with a
yearly surveillance. The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) certified the laboratory as a
national testing laboratory utilizing the GYS 170 Standard. In 2015, 2017 and 2019 the Central
Laboratory was recertified by the GNBS.

A representative of the lab receives the certification from Deputy General Manager of the GRDB Ms. Allison Peters

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Blended Rice Flour
The GRDB conducted research on the use of blended flour (80% wheat and 20% rice). Composite
flour was prepared by mixing various proportions of the composite flours. Blends of the flours were
pure (wheat flour only) and binary (mixture of wheat and rice flour). Five samples of roti were coded
according to treatment and replicate. Treatment 1 contained wheat flour only and Treatments 2 to
5 consisted of rice/wheat flours. Five samples of Bread were coded according to treatment and
replicate. Treatment 1 contained wheat flour only and Treatments 2 to 5 consisted of rice/wheat
flours.

A presentation conducted on the use of the blended flour

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The Guyana Livestock Development
Authority
Guyana Livestock Development Authority Highlights 2015-2020
The Guyana Development Livestock Authority (GLDA) delivers public services related to animal
production, animal health, animal genetics, marketing, training and extension services as well as
regulatory services.

Guyana is self- sufficient in livestock products, with the exception of milk and other dairy products.
Thus, the livestock sub-sector plays a vital role in improving and sustaining the nation’s food and
nutrition security, by producing safe and wholesome livestock products. With regards to milk and
other dairy products, plans are underway for the establishment of a milk plant, the GLDA has been
supporting dairy farmers with the necessary breeding stock and practices to develop the national
herd.

The animal health programmes are aimed at limiting the impact of disease on animal production,
through disease monitoring, veterinary investigation and legislation (public health and meat
inspection). The Veterinary Service Laboratory (VSL) broke new ground in 2018 by diagnosing
bovine rabies. This was a first for the VSL and as a result eliminates the need to seek assistance
from elsewhere to confirm the status of this disease. Additionally, the laboratory quality
management system continues to be developed to facilitate early certification.

Food safety and the production of wholesome food would always be of concern, therefore, to
ensure there are improved slaughter and processing facilities for meat and meat products, a state
of the art abattoir is being built in Onverwagt, Region 5. The completion of which we would be in a
position to not only export meat, but more importantly, to meet the food health standards that are
requisite for the supply of beef to the hospitality and some other sectors in Guyana.

In order to maintain the status of being self-sufficient in meat and enhance food security, the GLDA
offered toll hatching services to the duck farming community and introduced the Black Giant Poultry
programme.

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Animal Welfare Bill

Minister Holder as he presents the bill to the National Assembly.

In July of 2018, the National Assembly passed the Animal Welfare Bill which reformed Guyana’s
animal welfare laws in ways that are synonymous with European Union (EU) standards so as to
promote trade.

Minister Holder had expressed his satisfaction with the Bill, noting that of 40 clauses, 21 were
amended and three new ones were added. The Bill addressed modern issues relating to the
wellbeing of domestic animals, particularly with regards to their shelter, food supply and humane
treatment, preparing Guyana to trade internationally and for increased production.

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The Duck Egg Hatchery

New Born Ducklings bathing under a warm light at the Hatchery

In October of 2015, the GLDA commissioned Guyana’s first ever Duck Egg Hatchery. The Hatchery
produces approximately 8500 ducklings on a hatching day. The Hatchery has essentially doubled the
GLDA’s capacity to supply farmers. Annually the GLDA Hatchery records an increase in production
during the January-April period. It is estimated that the ducklings produced at the hatchery yield
over one million pounds of duck meat per year.

The Hatchery Building, GLDA Mon Repos Region 4

It was found that this hatchery has had a major impact with single-parent female farmers who were
the largest users of the facility and its services. The Hatchery has and continues to aid significantly

101
in the development of a vibrant livestock industry while providing enhanced services in said
industry. The Hatchery also bolsters Guyana’s food security with high quality protein of animal
origin. The Hatchery promotes the development of sustainable environmental practices, helping to
attain and maintain Guyana’s vision of a Green Economy.

Improved Livestock Breeding

These cattle and small ruminant breeding animals are used by the Genetic Improvement
Programme to ensure that the ruminant livestock farmers of Guyana have access to the best
possible breeds of animals through the provision of semen, embryos and live animals from our
breeding stations.

Tempo Breed Boars

The Tempo breed of boars.

These are used for semen production in the pig sector, these were imported in March 2017 and they
would have produced 470 straws of semen. A total of 383 inseminations were done in four Regions,
from which 1194 piglets were born for an average litter size of 12.
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Beef and dairy breeds of cattle
The GLDA has animals of the following breeds with regards to Beef and Dairy production. Beef cattle;
Brahman, Beef master, Brangus and Dairy Breeds; Holstein, the Jersey and the Brown Swiss.

Brangus and the Guyana School of Agriculture’s Mon Repos Livestock Farm

Holstein at the Guyana School of Agriculture’s Mon Repos Livestock Farm

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Beef Master at the Guyana School of Agriculture’s Mon Repos Livestock Farm

Sheep and goat breeds.

During the last five years acquired the following breeds of sheep and goats, the Katha din, the Virgin
Island White, the Boer, and the Anglo Nubian buck breeds of sheep and goats to be used for semen
production.

Kathadin breed of sheep at GLDA’s Minor Specie Farm

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Boer at GLDA’s Minor Specie Farm

Off-spring from the sheep AI programme in their pen at the Minor Specie Farm

105
Semen straws for cattle and sheep produced by the GLDA’s Genetic laboratory

Processing and extending of Boar semen at the GLDA’S Genetic laboratory

The in-house Genetic laboratory produces and stores semen for the livestock farming communities.
The breeding station in the Intermediate Savannahs at Ebini supports the genetic programme by
providing live bulls for farmers. These animals are transferred from that station by use of a cattle
barge built in 2018. This barge has the capacity to hold 20 animals, and because the welfare of
animals is one of the areas that the GLDA is aware of and takes very seriously the barge is used to
fulfil that programme. Additionally, the barge is also used to resupply the station with feed and fuel.

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Breeding females at the Ebini Station, Region 10

Animals on the Cattle Barge being transported along the Berbice River, Region 10

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The barge is also used to transport feed and other supplies for the Ebini station, Berbice River, Region 10

The Black Giant poultry breeding Programme

Perhaps the Breeding and Multiplication programme GLDA is most proud of is the Black Giant
poultry programme. The year 2017 saw the introduction of these birds to the Guyana market
through the Hinterland Development Programme, with the handing over of 100 Black Giant chickens
along with the requisite start-up feed and other supplies to Mahdia Secondary School in Region # 8.
To date approximately 70 hinterland communities were able to access these birds and a total of
76,000 birds were distributed.

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Black Giant Birds

Farmers showing off their produce

Characteristics of the Black Giant Chicken

The Black Giant is the largest of the dual-purpose chickens, and it is adapted to range type conditions
and has the ability to produce the following:
 Approximately two hundred eggs per year
 Tasty meat
 Start laying from 6 months old
 Roosters can attain a maximum weight of 5 kilograms and hens 4.5 kilograms
 Has a lifetime of between 6 to 8 years
The GLDA, recognizing the potential of these birds and the fact that they could result in enabling a
major change in poultry rearing in the hinterland region, begun rearing a flock of these birds at their
Livestock farm at Agriculture Road, Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara in Region 4.

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Ducks
In 2019, 1300 ducklings of R71 breeding line were imported from the United States of America to
resuscitate the duck industry which was devastated by Duck Astro Virus (suspected). This disease
resulted in all of the large farmers having to euthanize their flocks and a reduction in the availability
of duck meat on the market.
The importation of the duck breeding material has helped in the resuscitation of the sector.

Inspection of the imported 1300 R71 ducklings

Improved Feeds and Feeding systems

The Animal Nutrition Laboratory which was commissioned in February 2020 at the GLDA’s Mon
Repos Headquarters, is equipped with a Foss Analyzer. This equipment delivers precise results in
under a minute. With this high performing instrument, researchers, farmers and technicians will be
getting the highest level of quality control at all stages of feed formulation and would assist in
meeting the livestock nutritional requirements of the animals nationally, and certainly the animals
under our care.

110
The Foss Analyzer in use

The analyzer was acquired at a cost of G$18M, because nutrition is a serious limitation to livestock
production especially when feed resources are inadequate in both quality and quantity. Feeding has
long been recognized as being 70% of the running cost in animal production. It has a direct impact
on the growth rate and health status of the animals and by extension will determine the quality of
animal products.

The Total Mix Ration Feeder

With today’s technology, farmers no longer have to estimate nor do they have to experience
significant strain financially whenever there is a decline in local market prices. Therefore, for these
farmers to become competitive and capitalize on the new opportunities to restrict the importation,
they must make use of cheap alternative feed ingredients. When feeding a diet, it is important to
first test its nutrient content. The utilization of balanced diets could only be achieved by the
scientific analysis of the feeds, forage and other by-product materials used to feed livestock.

The NIRS DS2500 is designed to bring first-class scanning capability, exceptional accuracy and
resolution, results in less than one (1) minute, rapid analysis of incoming ingredients, in-process and
finished feeds.

Our feeds and feeding strategy in 2019 did not rely wholly on the analyzing of feeds but also on the
mixing of feeds and various rations for the livestock sector.
The purchase of and the utilization of the Total Mixed Ration feeder (TMR) is one such purchase
that would ensure that we are able to feed our animals a complete ration for maximum growth.

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The Total Mixed Ration Feeder

Feed mixture using the TMR

112
Apiculture: Wax Foundation press
The GLDA in 2018 established the hinterland apiculture programme. The apiculture programme was
introduced to the hinterland schools and youths residing in the hinterland communities to provide
a means of self-employment to persons residing in the hinterland. The programme was conceived
on the notion that Guyana's forest has a great potential for apiculture, and if fully exploited it can
create employment and sustainable income for the population residing in the hinterland area.
Hence promoting the Natural Rainforest honey brand.

There are tremendous marketing opportunities for honey in the form of product diversification. This
would result in a number of apiary products being made available in the local markets such products
would include pollen, propolis, royal jelly and other such products.

Most of the honey is either extracted from wild swarms or from hives maintained close to coastal
areas, riverain areas and the rain forest.

The wax foundation press

In order to make the beekeeping sector more efficient and vibrant, bee keepers of Guyana were
privileged to receive a donation of a wax foundation press from Ms. Amy Weekes, a beekeeper and
a friend to the beekeepers of Guyana, as well as a volunteer on the USAID funded partners of
Americas programme, funding for this press was raised through a go fund me page, further
financing for the transportation, establishment of the press and the functioning of the press was
achieved through the use of the GLDA funds. The wax foundation press was commissioned in 2020
at the GLDA Mon Repos Headquarters and is used to produce honeycombs which is similar to combs
that bees produce.

This press would be made available to all farmers throughout Guyana, farmers will be able to benefit
significantly from such a venture. Therefore, the Wax Foundation Press will be accessible free of
charge to all the Beekeepers in Guyana and will aid in setting up of frames in new hives.

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Passing a wax sheet through the wax foundation press

Melted wax in stainless steel pan

114
Demonstrating the making of wax foundation

115
The Hydro-Meteorological Department
(Hydromet)
The Hydromet Department is responsible for observing, archiving and understanding Guyana’s
weather and climate. It provides meteorological, hydrological, and oceanographic services in
support of Guyana’s national needs and international obligations.

The Hydrometeorological Service’s general responsibility is to monitor and evaluate the weather
and water resources in Guyana and to actively support the government in disaster risk management
and aeronautical, water, agriculture, engineering and other agencies for the socio-economic
development of the country. It is the official provider of weather, water and climate information
and related products and services for Guyana. The overall mission of the Hydrometeorological
Service evolves from separate basic activities:

• Monitoring: Observation and data collection to meet the needs of future generations for
reliable, homogeneous national climatological, hydrological and oceanographic data;

• Research: Research directed to the advancement of hydrological, oceanographic and

meteorological sciences and the development of a comprehensive description and scientific
understanding of Guyana's weather, climate and water resources;

• Services: Provision of hydrological, meteorological, oceanographic and related data,

information, forecasts, warnings, investigation and advisory services on a national, as well
as international bases; and

• International: Coordination of Guyana's involvement in regional and international

hydrology, meteorology, oceanography and related conventions.

• Aeronautical Services – It is mandatory for all international airports to be equipped with

hydrometorological services.

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Enhancing National Climate Service (ENACTS)

Hydromet Officers at the ENACT launch

The purpose of ENACTS is to improve the availability of, access to and use of climate data and
information. It works along with the National Meteorological and Hydrological Service (NMHS) to
quality control all available station data and combine them with satellite and reanalysis products,
thereby creating reliable climate information for local decision making.

It stands on three primary pillars:

 Enhanced Access through the development of online tools for data analysis and visualization
 Improve Data Availability by the building of capacity at NMHS, quality control of station data,
combining this station data with proxies and the improvement of seasonal forecasts.
 Promote Use by raising awareness, building capacity of the user community and involvement
of users in product development.

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The Water Quality Lab

Dr. Garvin Cummings (left) and Minister Noel Holder as they unveil the plaque at the new Water Quality Lab

The $83M facility was officially opened in October 2019 by Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Noel Holder
at the Hydrometeorological Service Head Office on Brickdam, Georgetown. The laboratory
monitors, examines and compile data on the use of the country’s surface and groundwater
resources. The Water and Sewerage Act 2002 states that Hydrometeorological department is
responsible for managing the country’s water resources.

98.3% of Guyanese benefit from improved drinking water quality but only 4.2% of the national water
withdrawal meets domestic needs and 1.4% is for industrial purposes. The commissioning of the
water quality lab also falls under the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 as
it acknowledges the importance of water quality. It also aids in achieving commitments in the Green
State Development Strategy and the Food and Safety Policy

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The Water Quality Lab located in the Hydromet Compound on Brickdam, Georgetown

119
Strengthening of Meteorological Services in Aviation
The Hydrometeorological Service is mandated under the Water and Sewerage Act 2002 to establish
and operate national systems to monitor atmospheric conditions for the support of early warming
forecasts and operational needs in the sectors of Aviation. Under this Act, the National Weather
Watch Center has made overall improvements to the quality of its services in compliance with the
International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) standards and recommended practices.
Subsequently, in an effort to strengthen and formalize the meteorological office and meteorological
watch office responsibilities, the Service signed a letter of agreement with the Guyana Civil Aviation
Authority and implemented Aeronautical requirements for meteorological service to air navigation
by issuing Airfield weather observations (meteorological aerodrome reports) which include surface
wind, visibility, runway visual range, present weather, cloud, air and dew-point temperature and
atmospheric pressure forecasts. Additionally, specialized reports of wind shear detection, reporting
and warning, turbulence and SIGMET warnings have been employed. These reports are now being
issued hourly to the airports in Timehri and Ogle as well as outlying areas such as Lethem, Kamarang,
Ebini and Mabaruma.

Building of Climatological Observational Network

The Climatology Section is responsible for meteorological data collection and production of climate
services which includes: expansion and maintenance of the observational network, synoptic and
climatic observations, collection of the daily rainfall and preparation of the weather brief, quality
check and archiving of meteorological data, provide data and climate services to end users.

Over the last 5 years, this section has succeeded in installing new rainfall stations at Kwatamang,
Rewa and Wowetta in Region 9 bringing its total number of stations to one hundred and seventy-
seven (177) to collect daily recorded rainfall values. There are stations currently installed in nine of
the administrative regions in areas as far as Kaieteur, Annai, Lethem and Wauna. The recorded
meteorological data is converted into information services in the form of monthly bulletins and a
seasonal climate outlook/newsletter which are designed to meet the needs of the Service’s
stakeholders and to communicate uncertainties associated with the climate predictions and are
encoded and transmitted daily/monthly to international platforms as per requirements.

Automatic Weather Stations

In February 2018, Guyana received twenty one (21) Sutron Automatic Weather Stations under the
USAID Climate Change Adaptation Program (USAID CCAP). The Telecommunications and
Maintenance Section of the Hydrometeorological Service in 2019, deployed and installed nine (9) of

120
the Stations in various Regions of Guyana under the Program with assistance of internal budgeting
by the Service. One (1) Station was installed in Region 2 at Kabakaburi, one (1) in Region 4 at St.
Cuthbert's Mission, one (1) in Region 8 at Iwokrama and six (6) in Region 9 at Surama, Pirara, Santa
Fe, Kumu, Moco Moco and Aishalton. The Section also installed a Vaisala Station at Mabura Hill
which was purchased by the Service through internal budgeting and procurement.
The installation of the ten (10) Stations increased the total number of Stations in the
Hydrometeorological Observational Network from thirty two (32) in 2018 to forty two (42) in 2019.

New Sutron Automatic Weather Stations installed at Iwokrama (left) and Surama (right).

121
New Sutron Automatic Weather Stations installed at Santa Fe (left) and Moco Moco (right).

New Sutron Automatic Weather Station installed at Aishalton

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Upgrade to the Satellite Receiving System
In 2014 a Satellite Receiving System was installed at the National Weather Water Center, Timehri to
aid the accuracy of the national forecasts and the Service’s routine weather advisory to all
Stakeholders. This system is used to receive meteorological satellite images directly from the
weather satellite.
Subsequently, in 2017 through a collaborative development between the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) the
Service launched an advanced spacecraft Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-
R Series (GOES-R) to replace the previous satellite that had outlived its lifetime. The replacement of
the satellite caused the existing meteorological satellite system at the National Weather Water
Center to become obsolete and the need for an upgrade became inevitable.
The upgrade to the Satellite Receiving System was completed in December 2019 and has since
allowed for more timely and precise forecasts and warnings. Additionally, it has improved the
support for detection and observations of meteorological phenomena.

Staff being briefed on the Satellite Receiving System's operation principles and maintenance.

Nation-wide Early Flood Warning System

The Hydrometeorological Service has commenced implementation of a Nation-wide Flood Early
Warning System (NFEWS) with the support of The United Nations Institute for Training and Research
123
(UNITAR) and the UNITAR Operational Satellite Applications Programme (UNOSAT) in collaboration
with CIMA Research Foundation.
The established NFEWS will provide key national stakeholders with flood warnings which will also
include other analytical outputs based on weather and hydrological forecasts. To this end, a flood
forecasting modelling chain linking meteorological, hydrological and inundation models will be
implemented and calibrated to provide timely flood early warnings and predicted flood scenarios
relative to major/extreme hydro-meteorological events at national and regional scale. The
information produced by the flood forecasting modelling chain maintained by the Service, will be
leveraged to support operational planning and decision making of the Civil Defence Commission
(CDC) as well as Ministries and Departments of Government, National and Regional Democratic
Councils and targeted local communities during both preparedness/contingency as well as the
response phase of the disaster management cycle.

UNITAR/UNOSAT Representative Presenting to Staff

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Mahaica Mahaicony Abary – Agriculture
Development Authority (MMA/ADA)
The MMA/ADA is a semi-autonomous agency under the Ministry of Agriculture, governed by a Board
of Directors. The Board is responsible for the formulation of policies for the efficient functioning and
operations of the MMA/ADA.

The MMA/ADA was established in 1978 by Act No. 77 of 1977. The Authority was formed as the
executing agency for the construction of all drainage and irrigation works in Region No. 5,
Mahaica/Berbice on the north-eastern Atlantic seacoast of Guyana. The agency is also responsible
for the allocation and management of State Lands between the Berbice and Mahaica Rivers.

The MMA/ADA provides water control for the coastal lands up to a distance of some 30 miles inland,
by impounding the flood waters in surface reservoirs (conservancies) located in the upper reaches
of the rivers, and through the construction of appropriate civil engineering infrastructure, provide
drainage and irrigation (D & I) services to the areas nearer the coast.

Primary goals of the MMA/ADA are to manage, operate and maintain all drainage and irrigation
works in Region No. 5, Mahaica/Berbice and to administer all State and Government lands for the
benefit of farmers/residents and National Development. Overall, the MMA/ADA supports nearly
half of the national rice production, about 30-35% of all livestock (most cattle) production and over
25% of national sugar production.

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Farm to Market Road

The Road Before the upgrade

One hundred million dollars were spent to upgrade an access road in Onverwagt, allowing for direct
access to the MMA/ADA’s Seed cleaning facility amongst other benefits, such as the transport of
produce and livestock. The road also provides access to the Authority’s number 3 regulator and was
completed in 2019.

The upgraded road

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Rehabilitation of the D’Edward Sluice

The old three- door sluice

The new four-door sluice replaces the old three-door sluice which was in a dilapidated condition. It
also has a 33 percent greater capacity to drain 16,000 acres of land and over 6000 gallons of water
per second. It also serves over 5000 farmers in the surrounding communities. The new sluice was
constructed to cater for future developments of the region. It signals the government’s commitment
to developing regional agriculture and boosting village economies.

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The New D’Edward Four Door Sluice

Self Sufficiency
One of the major challenges faced by the MMA/ADA would have been the issue of land lease rates
and drainage and Irrigation rates and collection of debts owed by farmers to the entity. The
MMA/ADA is responsible for drainage and irrigation works as well as land maintenance and
development within region 5. They are often aided by the NDIA to tackle their drainage and
irrigation issues. But the idea of the Authority was to be an agency that is self-sufficient that could
manage what it was established to do. It was a long and grueling fight for the Ministry and the
Authority to not only revise land rates but to implement and collect on debts owed as well. It was
not until just 2019 that the agency was comfortably in the green and even then it was still owed
millions by errant farmers. This resulted in court battles as some farmers were extremely reluctant
to meet their outstanding commitments.

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MMA/ADA Head Office Onverwagt,WCB

It had seemed as though this issue would raise it head again in 2020, but more and more farmers
are coming forward and paying their debts, allowing the agency to maintain its status of self-
sufficiency while carrying out its mandate. This is no small feat, the MMA/ADA went from
dependency on government bailouts, and is now able to run itself on the revenue generated. This
is a trend set under Minister Holder who managed to see the same achieved for Hope Coconut
Estate and The Pesticide and Toxic Chemicals Control Board as well as the Mahaicony Abary Rice
development Scheme.

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Agriculture Sector Development Unit
Agriculture Sector Development Unit.

The Ministry of Agriculture has established a single unit, the Agriculture Sector Development Unit
(ASDU), to execute all donor-funded projects in order to improve the execution and at the same
time provide administrative savings to the MoA. This unit has overseen the execution Projects
financed by international donors and lending agencies involved in the sector which include the Inter-
American Development Bank, World Bank, Caribbean Development Bank, European Union,
Canadian Agency for Development, the Food and Agricultural Organisation, Inter-American Institute
for Cooperation on Agriculture and International Fund for Agricultural Development of the United
Nations.

The ASDU has overall programme administration and capacity to manage and coordinate external
resources and of recent advisory role for the Public Sector Investment Programme capital projects
of the MOA.

In 2017 the Ministry of Agriculture formulated its Planning Unit to have a coordinated approach for
planning and policy. The position of Chief Technical Officer was re-established in September 2018
with responsibility for the Planning Unit, Agricultural stations, and Extension services. The
Monitoring and Evaluation Unit is also active and play a critical role in the strategic planning and
advancement of the agricultural sector.

The current Agricultural Sector Development Unit (ASDU) will be morphed into a Projects and
Programme unit which will handle both local and foreign funded projects as well as large scale
procurement within the Planning Unit.

Rural Agricultural Infrastructure Development (RAID Project)

The Ministry of Agriculture through the Rural Agricultural Infrastructure Development (RAID)
project in Small Scale Farming Communities in Regions 4 and 5 have been implementing drainage
and irrigation interventions in the communities of Buxton, Mocha, Triumph and Ithaca. Additionally,
to further help develop state and small scale lease lands to stimulate agricultural activities in the
above-mentioned areas.

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A farmer in Mocha (far right) receives coconut seedlings as a part of the RAID project, Region 4, EBE

A thriving farm developed in Ithaca under the RAID programme, Region 5

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Another Farm aided by the RAID project in Mon Repos, ECD

The Program is financed as an investment loan, up to 12.43 million USD by the CARICOM
Development Fund (CDF). The original implementation period for the Project was 42 months
commencing from December 2016 and ending in June 2020. A two (2) year extension of the loan
was approved to accommodate the completion of the additional works (December 2021)
Source of Funding Funding

Loan Resources (Component 1) US$6,625,000

Grant Resources (Component 2) US$3,807,263
CROG Resources (Component 3) US$2,000,000
Overall Resources US$12,432,236

The Project is being implemented by the Agriculture Sector Development Unit (ASDU), Ministry of
Agriculture.

The following table provides a status of the project impact, objective and expected results at the
time of this report.

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 Key Achievements
The activities completed from the above-mentioned projects are as follows:
Activities Ithaca, Reg #5 Buxton, Reg #4 Triumph/BV, Reg #4 Mocha, Reg #4 Total

New Irrigation Canals (Km)

7.52 - - - 7.52
Excavation & Rehabilitation of
- 29.1 13.5 25 67.6
Irrigation Channels(Km)
Excavation and Rehabilitation of
14 36.9 8.8 11 70.6
Primary Drainage Channels(Km)
Construction of Irrigation
3 2 5 21 31
Structures (No.)
Rehabilitation of Fair Weather
12 12 3 5 32
Dams(Km)
Land Clearing (Acres)
150 180 46 98 474
Land Preparation (Ploughing &
150 180 30 31 391
Chipping) (Acres)
Sluice/Pump Station (No)
- - - 1 1

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 Rehabilitation of Presidents College Farm:
a. Upgrading of 750 meters Farm Access Road & Construction of Timber Bridge
b. Construction of Shade House and Perimeter fencing
c. Establishment of one (1) acre of passion fruit, a five (5) acre orchard, 5 acres of beans,
and 15 acres of pasture with corresponding Irrigation systems

Institutional Strengthening and Farmers Grant: This subcomponent is currently being implemented
across the 4 villages.
 Technical and Extension Services will be provided to the farmers by the Guyana Livestock
Development Authority, the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute and
the Guyana Marketing Cooperation.
 Four 1 acre Demonstration Farms will be established in the 4 project areas by June 2020
 Each registered farmer will receive a Grant of G$100,000(US$500) in planting materials
and farming implements.
Item Comments
Output Actual
No.
Ongoing. 220/150 Completed (50 Ithaca,
Farmers to have access to planting
80 Buxton, 24 Triumph and 66 Mocha) –
1 materials, equipment & improved 220
breeds of livestock NO works have commenced with Livestock

On-Farm Development in 4 project Ongoing. 420 Completed (150 Ithaca, 180

2 areas (Land Preparation (Ploughing 420 Acres Buxton, 45 Triumph and 45 Mocha)
and Chipping of Individual Plots)
Ongoing. 538 Completed (200 Ithaca, 180
3 Land Clearing in 4 project areas 538 acres
Buxton, 60 Triumph and 98 Mocha)
Ongoing. 238/500 Completed (25 Ithaca,
4 Land Cultivation in 4 project areas 238 acres
120 Buxton, 20 Triumph and 73 Mocha)

*All new land clearing works are currently being executed by the National Drainage and Irrigation
Authority in collaboration with the ASDU Team.

Sustainable Agricultural Development Project (SADP)

The Sustainable Agricultural Development Project (SADP) Cost is US$15,000,000 which will be
funded by a loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The loan agreement was signed
on 22 February 2017.

Components Amount (US$)

Component 1: Generating Information for evidence-based policymaking and
4,170,000
natural resource management
Component 2: Strengthening of the agricultural innovation and extension
6,398,000
system
Component 3: Support for compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary
2,800,000
standards
 Monitoring and Evaluation 400,000
Management 1,232,000
Total 15,000,000

The long term objective was to increase the productivity of the agricultural sector while maintaining
sustainable and climate-resilient use of natural resources in Guyana. This was also implemented by
the ASDU

The main areas of focus were as follows:

 Implementation of a National Agriculture Census

 Rehabilitation of Ebini Research Station
 Construction of One(1) Abattoir in Region 5
 Diagnostic study of Diary Value Chain in Guyana
 Updating/drafting of regulations for General Food Safety, Water, Slaughterhouse, Meat
Inspections, Beef Grading, Poultry, Meat and Eggs, Milk and Fruits and Vegetable.
 Setting Up of the Guyana Food Safety Authority.

Key Achievements
(1) Completed the Designs and bidding documents for the Agriculture Station in Regions 9 and
10
(2) Updating of regulations for General Food Safety, Water, Slaughterhouse, Meat Inspections,
Beef Grading, Poultry, Meat and Eggs, Milk and Fruits and Vegetable
(3) Two (2) research Programs completed (Ley Cropping and Pastures Research development)
at Ebini Agriculture Station in Region 10
(4) Training of Staff:
GLDA Staff.
1. Seven persons completed training in Pathology at Veterinary Services Laboratory (VSL)
2. Three Persons were trained in Laboratory Science at the University of the West Indies in Feb
2018.
3. Short-Term Training (4 weeks) on Sustainable Livestock Production for Twelve (12) Staff of
the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA)
NAREI Staff.
One person in Identification, Monitoring and Management of Economically Important Pests in
Agriculture at the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences (CAFS) in Florida.
Short-Term Training (3 weeks) on Sustainable Crop Production for Twelve (12) Staff of the National
Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI).
Prepare Draft Operation Manual for Ebini Research Station.
Prepare Draft Food Safety Infrastructure Development Plan.

The following projects were completed between 2015 to end of 2019 for World Bank funded
Projects:

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Flood Risk Management Project

The Construction of Pump Station at Lusignan, ECD, Region 4

The Construction of Pump Station at Vigilance/Friendship, ECD, Region 4

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The Construction of Pump Station at Hope/Enmore, ECD, Region 4

The Reconstruction of 4 Km of the North Easter Dam of the East Demerara Water Conservancy
(Ongoing), Region 4

Cunha Canal Rehabilitation Project

The Rehabilitation of the Cunha Canal Sluice (BARAMA)

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Rehabilitation of Relief Structure at Cunha Canal East Demerara Water Conservancy, EBD, Region 4

The Construction of a Public Road Bridge across the rehabilitated Cunha Canal, EBD, Region 4

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Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo)
GuySuCo Then
The Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GUYSUCO) is a wholly-owned Guyana State enterprise that
operates the sugar industry. GUYSUCO, instead of being self-sustaining and contributing to the
revenues of the state, has encountered severe decline.

Production in 2016 fell by 18.7 percent and foreign exchange earned by the crop declined 15
percent. This poor performance follows a pattern of inconsistent output in which the average
annual output of sugar declined by 14 percent between 2006 and 2015.

GUYSUCO incurred a debt of more than G$82 billion by 2015. The Government, owing to the
industry’s ongoing financial crisis, had to provide the required financial relief from the treasury.
Within less than two years (since 2015), Government subsidies were estimated to be G$32 billion.

GUYSUCO was forced to finance its long-term investment by borrowing money and by relying on
subsidies through the national treasury even though all the internal equity was being put back in
the business.The sugar industry now lags behind mining, construction and the rice industry in its
contribution to the national economy.

GUYSUCO’s Interim Management Team made a request for financial help and the industry was given
a subsidy. Recognising the near bankrupt position of GUYSUCO, the Government appointed a
Commission of Inquiry (COI) in July to examine the situation in the sugar industry and to make
recommendations about its future.

The Government of Guyana is cognizant of the invaluable contribution of the sugar industry over
the years. The Government, however, could not let GUYSUCO continue to utilize a business model
that was based on waste, inefficiency and hopelessness, ultimately leading to its undoing. Neither
option is a formula for improving the income and wealth of sugar workers while seeking to provide
the good life for current and future generations.
The Government of Guyana had to decide whether to maintain control of the industry in whole or
in part or whether to diversify its operations or sell it to a private investor or investors.

The COI recommended that the Corporation should be privatized within three years. The
Commission recommended, also, that a serious evaluation of all diversification options be
conducted to avoid total reliance on sugar for GUYSUCO’s revenues. The COI called for an
evaluation of the options.
The future of the industry was considered to lie in a smaller sugar sector with reduced losses and
cash deficits but coupled with a separate and profitable diversified enterprise which would ensure
a viable future.

GUYSUCO’s sugar operations will be limited to the Albion-Rose Hall, Blairmont and Uitvlugt-Wales
estates with the aim of producing annually 147,000 tons of sugar, with the assurances of markets
at economic prices.

Albion and Rose Hall estates cultivation will be amalgamated. This resulted in the closure of the
Rose Hall factory at the end of 2017.

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The Enmore factory was closed at the end of 2017 when all cane would be harvested. The East
Coast Estates was be earmarked for diversification.

The Wales Estate was closed in December of 2016 and as far as possible, employees were integrated
at the Uitvlugt Estate. Operations at Wales Estate were diversified allowing for a paddy pilot project
in collaboration with GRDB. Production in 2017 dipped to 137,298 tonnes of sugar, it was reported
that the underperformance was due to the inability of the soon to be vested estates to complete
their harvest.

An overhead view of the Albion/Port Mourant Estate in Berbice, Region 6

The Transition
In 2017, Minister Holder presented the “State Paper on the Future of the Sugar Industry” which
indicated that there would be a smaller sugar sector in the future. This proposed course of action
for the industry saw several estates being amalgamated. Wales’ operations had already been
merged with the Uitvlugt Estate and Albion would join with Rose Hall. GUYSUCO moved to divest
the Skeldon Estate and close the Rose Hall factory.

The Industry was contracted to just three estates; Albion, Blairmont and Uitvlugt, whilst the other
four estates were vested to the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL). An
EU funded feasibility study was undertaken to examine the potential of co-generation at Albion and
Uitvlugt factories and concluded that there is potential for exportable power at Albion and Uitvlugt.

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A bird’s eye view of Uitvlugt Estate Region 3

GuySuCo Now
In 2018, GuySuCo partnered with the NDIA to operate and maintain the drainage and irrigation
systems at all its current and former locations. Another EU funded feasibility study was done to
evaluate the alternative processes for the production of the detailed designs of the plantation white
sugar processing plant and relocation of the packaging plant form Enmore to Albion. Production this
year was at 104,642 metric tonnes, 2% higher than the combined target from the three estates. This
was largely due to improved cane yields and sugar recoveries.

To date, GuySuCo has maintained its partnership with the NDIA to operate and maintain the
drainage and irrigation systems at all seven estates.

The Factory at Blairmont Estate Region 5

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Mahaica Abary Rice Development Service
Airstrip Deal
A Lease agreement was signed by Representatives of the Mahaica Abary Rice Development Services
(MARDS) and Air Services Ltd. The agreement followed an investment by Air Services to rehabilitate
an existing Airstrip at Burma, Mahaicony as part of a US$10 M investment made in 2017.

The project included the upgrade to the deteriorated 20x 1800 ft. Airstrip to a 40×2500 ft. asphalted
one. The Airstrip also boasts a state of the art hanger which can accommodate up to three planes
at one time and an administrative office which will be used to provide aerial application services to
farmers in Region Five and Six.

The agreement came in wake of representation made by farmers for the establishment of such a
service to the MARDS

A Section of the Airstrip at Burma, Region 5

School Bus Donation

A $7.3Million 30-seater school bus was handed over to the community of Burma in the Mahaica-
Berbice region.

The Ministry of Agriculture through the Mahaica Abary Rice Development Scheme and the Ministry
of Public Infrastructure jointly donated the vehicle following a request from residents.

The bus serves students from communities along the Burma Road, including Augsburg, Catherina
and Champagne. The service saves time and money for the farming families and reduces traffic
congestion and vehicle emissions.

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The Donated School Bus

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The Ministry of Agriculture’s LBI
Agriculture Complex
The former Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) compound at La Bonne Intention (LBI) East Coast
Demerara Region 4, has been transformed into a major agriculture complex. The compound also
houses the following GuySuCo Operations; The Head Office, The Agricultural Research Centre
Laboratories, Information Systems Department, Materials Management Department and the
Training Facilities and Staff Club.

The move to LBI was due to a policy decision made by the Ministry of Agriculture which Minister
Holder Disclosed at the World Food Day celebrations in 2019 “In our thrust for enhanced inter-
agency collaboration and to provide a more convenient service to our farmers, the Ministry of
Agriculture made a policy decision to relocate a number of our agriculture agencies to our new
agricultural complex at LBI,”

The new complex includes GuySuCo’s head office and the head offices of the National Drainage and
Irrigation Authority (NDIA), the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), Guyana Marketing
Corporation (GMC), the new Food Safety Authority (FSA) and the office of the Representative of the
United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in Guyana.

One of NDIA’s Office Buildings

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One of GRDB’s Main Buildings in LBI Compound

This move places those agencies closer to their counterparts such as the Guyana School of
Agriculture, the National Research and Extension Institute, the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals
Control Board, the Guyana Livestock Development Authority and its veterinary diagnostic
Laboratory and the Fisheries Department’s Satyadeow Sawh Agriculture Station, which are located
at Mon Repos, East Coast of Demerara (ECD).

Two buildings have been provided to NICIL’s Special Purpose Unit (SPU) and its international
financial services provider Price Waterhouse Cooper. The SPU was established to solely effect the
sale of Guyana’s four Divested Estates.

Overhead Shot of the Complex

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National Laboratories
During the transition, the former GuySuCo soil and bio-safety research laboratories were
transformed into the National Agriculture Soil Testing and Bio-Safety Laboratories, serving the
entire agricultural farming community in Guyana.

Additionally, for increased productivity, laboratories are needed for soil testing. Bio technology,
tissue culture and plant breeding are also the backbone of the inspection and certification activities
to meet international standards.

The soil laboratory’s main function is soil fertility management, that is, to track the flow of nutrients
in the oil for optimum nutrient levels in crop production. Soil test reports will generally provide
appropriate fertilizer application recommendations for the major critical elements, nitrogen,
phosphorous, potassium and calcium, as well as needed micronutrients.

Minister Holder has said that soil testing provides the farmer with a tool that can be employed for
potential benefits to increase yields, reduce operating costs and enable greater care for the
environment.

Additional benefits include improved crop maturity and quality, higher tolerance to disease and pest
damage, and increased growth. The laboratory provides a wide range of testing parameters for soils,
plants, water, sugar and other agricultural materials. This lab will now be open to serve the entire
agriculture sector.

Meanwhile, the main objective of the National Bio-Control Laboratory is to develop systems to
control pests through the use of natural predators instead of using chemical pesticides.

The laboratory will be responsible for coordinating research into the plant protection needs for
various agricultural crops and propagation of bio-control agents. It will promote integrated pest
management for main crops grown in Guyana such as sugar, rice, coconuts and fruits and
vegetables.

Agriculture Month
October is declared ‘Agriculture Month’. Agriculture Month is observed to celebrate agriculture as
a sector and recognizes its participants nationally, and their contributions and achievements.
Through this means the nation provides a better understanding of the services of the Ministry of
Agriculture, outreach to the citizens, all over the country, provide opportunities for farmers,
consumers, agro-processors, exporters and officers of the sector to connect and network by
participating in a calendar of events. It is also a time when the Ministry engages students and expose
them to the different facets of agriculture, and by building awareness, the MOA encourages young
people to consider career opportunities in agriculture in general.

Agriculture Month Themes

2015 - "Exploiting our Strengths; advancing agriculture and social protection"
2016 - “Exploring New Production Frontiers: in pursuance of Climate Resilience.”
2017 - “Food Security and Hinterland Development: Our National Priority,”
2018 - “Shaping Agriculture for a Green Economy”
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2019 - ''Sustainable Agriculture for ensuring Food Safety in a Green Economy”

World Food Day

World Food Day is celebrated annually in the middle of Agriculture Month, on the 16th of October
to commemorate the founding date of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
(FAO) in 1945 and was introduced at the FAO’s 20th General conference in November 1979.

World Food Day is observed in over 150 countries and raises awareness of critical issues relating to
hunger, poverty and food insecurity that affects over 870 million people globally. Every year,
Minister Holder would address at the World Food Day Celebrations, highlighting not only the
importance of food security, but also reaffirming Guyana’s commitment to Food Security. Each year
World Food Day would focus on a particular theme, these are the themes used over the tenure ovet
the last five years.

2015 – “Social Protection and Agriculture: Breaking the Cycle of Rural Poverty.”
2016 - “Climate is changing: Food and Agriculture must too.”
2017 – “Change the future of migration. Invest in food security and rural development.”
2018 - “Our Actions Are Our Future, Ending World Hunger by 2030 is Possible”
2019 - “Our Actions are our future, Healthy Diets for a #ZeroHunger World,”

World Fisherfolk Day

The Commemoration for Fisherfolk Day, is celebrated annually on the 29th June. The Ministry of
Agriculture, Fisheries Department takes this day to acknowledge the industrious fishers who risk
their lives daily to provide food for the nation. On this day we celebrate, salute, and recognize the
courageous and hardworking fisher folk of Guyana.

Each Year the day is celebrated under a different theme, these are the themes from 2015 to present:

2015 (Fishers’ Port, Charity, Essequibo) – “Exploiting our strengths: Organizing Artisanal Fisherfolk
for Advancement and Social Protection”

2016 (No 66 Fishing Complex Corentyne, Berbice) - “Combatting Illegal, Unreported and
Unregulated (IUU) Fishing, preserving our marine resources”.

2017(Lusignan Community Centre) - “Climate Change Adaptation to the Fisheries Sector”

2018 (Mahaicony Community Centre) – “Our Ocean. Our Future: Monitoring and regulating our
fishing activities to ensure sustained production: our contribution to Zero Hunger.”

2019 (Uitvlugt Community Centre Ground) – “Promoting sustainable livelihoods through the
development of a climate resilient fisheries sector”

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National Tree Day
One of the new initiatives of Agriculture month is National Tree Day, introduced in 2015. National
Tree day encourages all to plant trees, it is usually celebrated on the first Saturday in October and
occasion commemorated each year in a different administrative region.

The event was formally launched on October 3rd in Bartica, Region 7 by His Excellency, the
President, Brid. D.A. Granger,under the theme “Plant a tree for a Greener Economy”. In 2016 the
exercise was done in Iwokrama Region 8 under the theme “Sustaining Bio-diversity: Plant a Tree”.
In 2017 it was held in Mabaruma Region 1 under the theme “Food Security and Hinterland
Development, Our National Priority”. It moved to Ebini Region 10 in 2018 under the theme “Trees,
Good for the Community, Great for the Country”. Lastly it was held in Union Village Region 6 under
the theme “Sustainable Agriculture for Ensuring Food Safety in a Green Economy”

Minister Holder watches on as His Excellency President David Granger partakes in the tree planting exercise at Union Village Region
6 last year.

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Food Safety Bill
The Food Safety Bill of 2016 was passed with amendments following the adoption of the report of
the Special Select Committee on the said Bill in June of 2019. The report was presented by the
Minister of Agriculture and Chairperson of the Committee, Noel Holder, who highlighted the
benefits and implications of the passage of the Bill.

The passage of this bill paved the way for the integration of all aspects of our food safety systems
and for the creation of a Food Safety Authority.

This Food Safety Authority once fully operational will be responsible for ensuring that all agricultural
produce, whether produced locally or be it imported, that is destined for human consumption are
of the highest quality and are produced under the strictest of hygienic conditions and are not
capable of causing harm to the consumer.

The food safety system was created using the farm to fork and one health approach whereby food
production will be monitored commencing from the farm level to ensure safety and sustainability
of its production in an environmentally friendly manner.

With these systems in place, Guyana’s food safety requirements are now at an internationally
acceptable standard, thereby opening up both regional and international markets for produce
grown locally, while also ensuring that not only the best, but a greater variety of raw products are
available for local Agro-processors.

The 92-claused Food Safety Bill was first read in 2016 and sent to a Special Select Committee chaired
by the Minister of Agriculture. In February of 2017, the committee made a total of 18 amendments
which were presented at the second reading of the Bill.

The Food Safety Authority will be housed in the Ministry of Agriculture’s LBI Agricultural Complex.

Conclusion
This document summarizes the activities of the Ministry of Agriculture and its Departments,
Committees, and semi-autonomous agencies and its responsibilities and achievements over the
period May 2015 through June 2020

NLH
Minister of Agriculture
30th June 2020

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