GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – The Ministry of Agriculture is set to receive technical support from the Government of India, including hemp, millet, aquaculture, and livestock.
Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha recently visited India for the International Year of Millets Conference, where discussions were advanced with several Indian government officials.
It was also a follow-up to visits by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo to the South Asian country.
Recognizing that India is a powerhouse in millet production, the government is looking to gain expertise to advance the country’s food security efforts.
Speaking to the media recently, Minister Mustapha said India would provide technical personnel and seeds for the first 50 acres of millets cultivated in Guyana.
“I am hoping that in another couple of months …We can start the cultivation of millets in Guyana. I instructed our officers from the NAREI to look at the appropriate areas where we’ll start the millet production,” he disclosed.
The minister actively engaged in discussions with the High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Dr. K. J. Srinivasa, to set up the parameters for the technical personnel to come to Guyana.
“I have had several meetings with them; they are sound and qualified,” the minister highlighted.
He said this would further push the government’s effort to increase food sustainability while also leading the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in reducing the food import bill by 25 percent by 2025.
“We are responsible to CARICOM to work to achieve the 25 by 2025. If that has to be successful, then Guyana has to be successful, and we are working to improve that,” Minister Mustapha said.
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