65 acres of land being developed to rear sheep, goat

• will be allocated to farmers

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, met with sheep and goat farmers from Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) to review progress on the Government’s livestock development initiatives and reaffirm its support for the rural farming community.

The engagement formed part of ongoing efforts by the ministry to strengthen Guyana’s small ruminant sector and expand economic opportunities for livestock producers in the region.

During the meeting, Mustapha highlighted significant progress in pasture development under the Government’s livestock strategy. He noted that sixty-five-acre plots have been developed and allocated to sheep and goat farmers to promote sustainable grazing and increased production.

The Minister also emphasized the Government’s broader vision of reducing Guyana’s dependence on imported mutton and other small ruminant products, while improving genetic stock and farming practices through initiatives such as the importation and distribution of Black Belly sheep.

The meeting reaffirmed the Government of Guyana’s commitment to transforming Region Five into the livestock capital of Guyana and the wider Caribbean—an objective first articulated by President Dr. Irfaan Ali at the launch of the Black Belly Sheep Project.

At that event, President Ali outlined a comprehensive vision that prioritizes self-sufficiency in local production, regional export opportunities, and inclusive participation by women and youth in the livestock sector.

President Ali has since reiterated that the livestock transformation in Region Five is part of a broader agricultural development agenda that includes expanded access to land, improved drainage and irrigation systems, enhanced infrastructure, and direct support to farmers.

He has stressed that establishing Region Five as the livestock capital will not only strengthen national food security but also generate sustainable livelihoods for rural communities.