GEORGETOWN, Guyana, The —na government says the agricultural sector earned more than GUY$919 million (One Guyana dollar=Udollar = US$0.004in revenue during the export of non-traditional crops the first half of this year from vulture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, addressing the first annual awards and dinner ceremony of the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) on Tuesday night, said the revenue represents a 12.7 percent increase over the corresponding period last year.
“In the first half of 2024, Guyana has made significant strides in exporting non-traditional agricultural goods. We have seen a 12.7 percent increase compared to last year, reaching over 4156 metric tonnes with a value exceeding GUY$ 919 million,” Mustapha said, underscoring the potential for further growth in the sector.
Mustapha told the ceremony that by increasing exports, Guyana earns foreign exchange and is known as a reliable supplier of high-quality food products.
“You, the exporters, are the bridge between our fields and the world. You are transforming Guyanese produce into global brands through your dedication to quality, logistics, and market research,” he said, emphasizing the audience’s crucial role in the sector’s success.
“We have relied on exporting raw material for too long, leaving the value in addition to other countries. “You have to change that narrative,” Mustapha said, adding that by transforming local produce into high-value products, jobs are created, livelihoods are boosted, and local food security is strengthened.
“Agro-processing empowers our women and is a great opportunity for our youth. This industry currently employs approximately or just over 2000 persons in small and medium-sized categories,” Mustapha said.
He told the ceremony that the GMC would continue to enhance agro-processors’agroprocessors’ capacity by providing training, large-scale production, and improved post-harvest management through storage facilities.
“As a country, for too long, we have been exporting primary products… It’s time that we add value to Guyanese products,” Mustapha said.
and then 