More progress will be made this year on a swine abattoir, according to a release yesterday from the Ministry of Agriculture.
During a meeting with members of the Guyana Swine Producers’ Association (GSPA), Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha said an initial investment was made by the government in 2021 for the setting up of the abattoir.
“Last year we awarded a contract to commence internal works such as utilities, roads, and fencing for $30 million. We have an estimated amount for this year’s budget that was submitted to the Ministry of Finance. Once those funds are approved, we’ll be able to move forward with the project,” Mustapha said.
The release said that the ministry is currently carrying out preliminary works at Garden of Eden on the East Bank of Demerara, after which a modular facility to international standards will be set up. Additionally, the release said that the government will be looking to have the facility ISO certified, thus clearing the way for export to other parts of the world.
As it relates to issues concerning traceability, Mustapha said that the Guyana Food Safety Authority will be tasked with ensuring such products are safe for human consumption.
“We’ve been working on implementing traceability through the Guyana Food Safety Authority. This authority was formed but this is the first year that it will come into operation. One of the main functions of the authority is to ensure the food we eat is considered safe for human consumption. We are now looking at areas like traceability for all the sectors because it is important that such systems are put in place. We also have a number of (pieces of legislation) that are currently being drafted that seek to enhance food safety and traceability in our country” Mustapha said.
Recently appointed Chairman of the GSPA, Forest Smartt told the minister that one of their challenges is access to affordable feed from local rice mills. He said that, in addition to varying costs of feed amongst suppliers, farmers are often under strain to feed their animals, more so due to the impacts of the global pandemic, Covid-19.
In this regard, Mustapha said that prior to yesterday’s meeting, the ministry sought to engage the Guyana Rice Producers’ Association on the issue.
