Agri Minister – Over $977 M to stimulate livestock industry in 2022

The Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) budgetary allocation for this year, will
enable local producers to benefit from the increasing demand for meat from thriving oil and gas
companies, as well as other local businesses.
Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha said $977.3M was allocated to GLDA in Budget 2022,
which is an increase of $171M, to enhance service and productivity across Guyana. “To be able
to access the emerging markets, especially the high-end supermarkets, hotels, mining sector, and
foreign oil companies, a certified production chain is required,” Mustapha said.
The agri minister noted that GLDA, in collaboration with the Guyana Food Safety Authority,
has begun the design and development of an animal traceability system. The initiative will be
advanced this year.   “The system is fundamental to meeting food safety standards and farm
certification and will help to promote exports,” he said.

Mustapha noted that the agriculture ministry will partner with the private sector this year, to
establish a swine facility with ISO standards for breeding pigs. He disclosed that the authority
will spend $9M to construct a modern bio-secure swine facility to increase production and
advance the value chain of pork, and contribute substantially to food security.
“…this will see a 50 per cent increase in pork production to replace imports. With the onset of
the African Swine Fever causing devasting global production, we see this as an opportunity for
the transformation of the local pig industry for better-standardised production systems and
biosecurity,” Mustapha explained.
He revealed that another $8M will be invested for a grass-legume pelletiser to build continued
resilience to climate changes. This, he said will ensure animal feed is available in times of flood
and drought. “We are presently supplying only 28 per cent of the black giant poultry market. In
2022, we will expand this initiative with a $5 million investment for housing facility for boilers
and breeders. This will benefit over 2000 households in hinterland communities across
Guyana,” Minister Mustapha said.
Mustapha stressed that pasture development will be a priority for the resuscitation of the dairy
industry. He promised that the construction of the Cattle Abattoir at Onverwagt, Region Five
will continue in 2022. Meanwhile, a sum of $79.2M is budgeted to the Guyana Food Safety
Authority. Mustapha assured that strong emphasis will be placed on food inspection,
enforcement processes, and control to strengthen Guyana’s food safety system and expand its
export potential.