The Department for International Development (DFID) will be providing 1.3 million pounds to support agricultural diversification and export promotion in Guyana.
The Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the CARANA Corporation today launched the Guyana Agricultural Diversification Programme.
The project will work directly with the farmers to introduce new technologies and raise productivity, streamlining the paperwork for investors and exporters and building relationships with new markets and buyers for the sector.
It is expected that the Guyana Agricultural Diversification Programme, will create over 1,000 new jobs, increase tilapia exports from 1000 to 12000 kg weekly and non-traditional agriculture from 1000 to 16000 kg weekly.
The programme will also focus on building strong local partners, technology transfer, market linkages, policy reform, access to finance and scaling up agriculture and aquaculture for a minimum market order.
Minister of Agriculture Dr. Leslie Ramsammy said Guyana possesses the potential to market its aquaculture regionally and internationally.
However a major obstacle is the price for feed.
Minister Ramsammy said they must ensure the resources expended contribute to economic development.
He added that they must also build capacity so that producers can compete on the regional and international markets.
