New corn and soybean processing facilities set to be completed in three months

During an outreach to Ann's Grove, East Coast Demerara on Tuesday, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha revealed that the corn and soybean drying and storage facilities being constructed at Tacama Landing, along the Berbice River, are slated to be finished within the next two to three months. Minister Mustapha also highlighted that the new facilities will not only create employment opportunities, but also have a significant impact on the nation's food sector. Currently, the government spends nearly $60 million to import corn and soybeans, but with local cultivation and exportation in mind, the new facilities are expected to contribute to reducing these costs. The government has initiated corn and soybean production in the intermediate savannah, and construction of related facilities is underway, with completion expected within the next two to three months, according to the Agriculture Minister. The purpose of this expansion is to increase production and begin cultivating crops that were previously imported. Additionally, this year's budget includes $150 million for the construction of a wharf that will make it easier for farmers to transport their produce via the river. The agriculture sector has seen a significant increase in budgetary allocation, from $13 billion to $32 billion in less than three years, as the government recognizes the importance of improving infrastructure and creating a more conducive environment for farmers to produce. The Minister is optimistic that Guyana will achieve food self-sufficiency within the next two years, especially after the successful trial of 125 acres of corn and soybean initiated by the government in 2021. The cultivation and production of corn and soybeans involve key stakeholders in the private sector, who are actively involved in this monumental undertaking. This initiative aligns with the President's plan to decrease the food import bill in Guyana and the wider Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

Source(Image: Guyana Chronicle (2016), News: Department of Public Information)

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19 Apr 2023 18:00 | by anaraine