Minister Persaud says investments growing in Guyana

-in excess of $1.5B in agriculture proposals received thus far

Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud while speaking on investments in commercial agriculture indicated that Guyana currently has vast areas that can be put under productive use and Government has been receiving positive responce with proposals thus far, for the first phase of investment in commercial agriculture, being in excess of $1.5B.

            This disclosure came while addressing scores of Moco-Moco, Region Nine residents during the launch of the first 82 acres of rice under the US$643,000 ($128.6M), Hinterland Rice and Beans project on Thursday.

            “This will see different investors will be coming and getting involved in various aspects of agriculture. We already have a group out of the Caribbean, the Santa Fe Enterprise and they are already investing $156M alone in getting that enterprise,” he said.

            A proposal with the Brazilian rice farmers has been received and is currently being examined.

According to Minister Persaud any investor who comes, must first have a good track record and adhere to Guyana’s rules before they are given permission to do business.

            Lands have already been allocated for the construction of a major rice seed facility in Guyana. This will be used to develop hybrid rice seed to supply the Brazilian market and beyond.

            Minister Persaud said that Caribbean Chemicals is also looking to partner with Brazil in large scale agriculture in this regard and noted that investments are growing in Guyana through stringent measures by Government.

            “Some of the other enterprises that are expanding as a result of the (Tukutu) bridge are developing and have submitted proposals for development of agro-enterprises. As part of our two-pronged approach in developing commercial agriculture, we are advancing that process,” Minister Persaud stressed.

            Government has also been encouraging investors to develop partnerships with local communities so that they are not disadvantaged by their presence. This is to ensure that local companies also receive support from Government so that even growth and prosperity can be achieved.

            This according to the Agriculture Minister, is to transform the village economies and enhance the level of prosperity in the process of moving forward.

            “At the Ministry of Agriculture we are also ramping up our support services. We will be bringing in more vets and trained officers in the villages as we work with you in developing adaptation as we are faced with the effects of climate change,” he said.