Feasibility studies have been successful and large scale production of corn and soya in Guyana is targeted for yearend to satisfy the demands in the stockfeed industry and that of biofuel.
According to the Government Information Agency, the Ministry of Agriculture through the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) has successfully demonstrated Guyana’s ability to produce corn and soya on a large scale at a reduced cost. Studies done late last year and earlier this year at NAREI test plots at Mon Repos and the Ebini facility have exceeded expectations, the release said.
Minister of Agriculture Dr Leslie Ramsammy said that this is a part of the target set by the National Agriculture Strategy 2013 – 2020 to reduce the importation of corn and soya by 15 – 25%. Ramsammy said that the Ministry currently has a consortium of Guyanese and Brazilian investors interested and the production of hundreds of acres will start by year end at a possible “intermediate savannah” location. GINA also stated that an invitation has also been extended by the ministry to farmers with sizeable plots of land to partake in this venture and the Ministry will provide the necessary technical support.
