GEORGETOWN, Guyana – Guyana is set to achieve self-sufficiency in livestock feed production by 2025, as announced by the Minister of Agriculture during the inauguration of a soil chemical services laboratory at the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute in Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara.
“For the first time, we are producing corn and soya in our country. Next year, we will reach self-sufficiency in producing all the livestock feed needed,” the Minister stated.
Currently, Guyana imports approximately US$40 million worth of livestock feed annually. The Minister emphasized that these funds could be redirected to enhance other sectors, boosting the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Self-sufficiency hinges on the successful cultivation of corn and soya beans, with over 10,000 acres already dedicated to their growth at Tacama, Berbice.
Corn and soya beans provide substantial nutritional advantages. Soya beans yield “oilseed meal,” a plant-based protein supplement that enhances digestion and promotes growth in animal feed. Corn silage serves as a high-energy, low-protein feed that supports the diets of growing dairy heifers and lactating cows.
This fiscal year, a budget of $967.8 million has been allocated for the production of corn and soya beans. By the end of 2025, an estimated 30,000 acres will be utilized for their cultivation.
Investment in Guyana’s agricultural sector has surged from around $13.5 billion four years ago to an impressive $77.6 billion under the current government. With this significant financial commitment and robust system implementations, Guyana has reestablished its prominence in agriculture across the Caribbean.
“Under the leadership of our President, we have positioned ourselves at the forefront of agriculture, sparking renewed interest in the sector throughout the Caribbean,” the Minister remarked.
Agriculture remains pivotal to Guyana’s economy, producing 60 percent of the food consumed domestically. Since 2020, various initiatives such as the Black Belly Sheep Programme, brackish water shrimp farming, and the cultivation of high-yield crops like cauliflower and broccoli have been introduced to diversify and enhance product offerings.
Additionally, the Guyana Rice Development Board recently reported a significant increase in rice yield, climbing from 5.9 tonnes per hectare to 6.75 tonnes per hectare, a direct result of government investment.
