Guyana's Robust Brackish Water Shrimp Industry Nets Impressive $1.3 Billion Revenue from January to November 2023

Amidst a concerted effort on amplifying food production and stimulating economic prosperity, Guyana has amassed a noteworthy $1.3 billion in revenue from the flourishing brackish water shrimp sector during January to November 2023. In a strategic move highlighting the government's recognition of the fisheries sector in contributing to the agriculture industry, it has implemented policies designed to augment existing programmes and usher in state-of-the-art, technology-centric initiatives. In the same period, Guyana achieved a commendable feat, with the production of a substantial 815 496 kg. of shrimp. This signifies a substantial 49% surge, comparing favourably to the 548 900 kg. produced during the corresponding period in 2022. Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, underscored the achievements in brackish water shrimp production along the Corentyne Coast. The ongoing initiative has yielded impressive results, demonstrating a consistent upward trajectory since its inception. The production of brackish water shrimp has surged from 10 000 kg. to an impressive 90 000 kg. Monthly. In 2023, Guyana achieved its highest marine production in the past five years, reaching over 42 000 metric tonnes. Furthermore, the harvesting of tambaqui has already commenced as part of the cage culture initiative. Presently, six cages are installed in communities like Mashabo Mainstay and Capoey, stocked with tambaqui fingerlings. Plans are underway for the replication of this initiative in various regions, with community participation and site selection already underway in Regions Two, Five, Nine, and Ten. Looking ahead to 2024, the government is set to invest in an additional 50 cages. The fisheries and aquaculture industries serve as vital pillars of income, employment, and sustenance for many Guyanese, through which Guyana is set to emerge as a prominent food producer for both regional and international markets, striving for self-sufficiency across all sectors of food production.

Source(Department of Public Information (2024), Amrita Naraine, WW Researcher (2024))

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4 Jan 2024 13:00 | by anaraine