Agro-processing push by Govt see local manufacturers praising them

Several local manufacturers have praised the fulfilment of promises by government, as well as
the plans to further expand the sector, due to government continued injection of millions of
dollars into the advancement of the agro-processing industry.
Proprietor of well-known business SS Natural Flavours Inc., Sandra Craig, praised the
investments by government, stating that agro-processors will now have the opportunity to
efficiently serve the market with their products. Expressing her views about the recently
constructed agro-processing facility in Region Two, Craig explained that facilities like these will
allow producers to provide the market with a higher quantity of their products, as well as instill
confidence in consumers concerning the quality.
“It’s very important for us to have these kinds of facilities that we can access so that we can do
standardised products, so when it gets out [customers] know that it comes from a standard
facility,” she stressed. The SS Natural Flavours Inc. proprietor also highlighted that the budgeted
allocations and the detailed plans to enhance the sector will be of great benefit to not just her
business, but to other businesses. “I think they have a very good plan, and it will help a lot of
small entrepreneurs to get access to all the things that they have there to offer. So, I think that
they’re [making] a good move, so we can be able to go forward and do production at a larger
scale…and get everything going for us,” Craig said.
Meanwhile, Chris Persaud, Managing Director of internationally recognised UMAMI Inc., was
quoted as stating that the government’s support of the industry has been substantial in assisting
businesses in the sector to improve themselves. “Government has been very, very supportive in
their initiatives and creating the environment…one example is the other day there was a high-
level delegation from Barbados, and there were quite a few opportunities both in terms of
imports and exports whereby [we] stand to benefit…initiatives such are those are welcomed on
our part and I think they’re doing a wonderful job in allowing us the environment to flourish,”
Persaud explained.

The owner of the locally made company that can now be found on the multinational e-commerce
platform, Amazon, said the government’s direct investment into agro-processing facilities should
be welcomed by persons already in the industry, as well as those desirous of entering since it
eliminates a major challenge usually faced by manufacturers. “Sitting in the hot seat as an agro
processor, I know some of the key concerns towards establishing a business like this…so
government taking this initiative and injecting taxpayers’ dollar into a facility basically is
removing one element of the issue. So, I think it is a fantastic opportunity for agro-processors,
those who don’t have the facilities to embrace the project,” the agro-processor noted.
Another business that is becoming a staple in the agro-processing sector, is Gobin’s Farm and
Kitchen. This company, it was noted, produces dried and healthy fruit snacks to the market, a
product that has gone untapped in Guyana for quite some time. Vikas Gobin, a doctor by
profession, said it is commendable that the government has kickstarted the investments in this
sector so that private corporations can see the feasibility in the industry and follow suit.
“Government needs to continue. I mean, these are good initiatives to invest in agro-processing

and they need to be the ones to foster investment in the agro-processing sector because these are
ways to empower farmers beyond just selling things in the market, to be able to process and
value add to their goods to reach an even wider market,” Gobin revealed.
In 2021, the government spent approximately $60M towards the construction of a state-of-the-art
agro-processing and packaging facility in Cotton Field on the Essequibo Coast. While, in August
2021, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed for the realisation of a US$50M
agro-processing facility to be built in Enmore, East Coast Demerara. The Guyana Manufacturing
and Services Association (GMSA), also hosted a massive Duty Free Benab and Expo for local
manufacturers. This event was held almost simultaneously with the International Energy
Conference and Expo in February. The event saw agro-processors and other local producers
receiving massive exposure for their products as well as positively networking and positioning
themselves for future investments.
Additionally, in Budget 2022, some $261M was allocated towards the accelerated development
of the agro-processing sector.