Israel-based hydroponics company, KARLIGO INC, is moving ahead with its US$15.7M project as its first shipment of supplies is expected to arrive in Guyana within the next six weeks.
This disclosure was made yesterday during a meeting between Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha and Non-Resident Israeli Ambassador to Guyana, Itai Bardov. A statement from the Ministry subsequent to the meeting said that KARLIGO Inc., is shipping a container with equipment to commence the project. The container is scheduled to depart Israel today. During their bilateral discussions, Bardov and Mustapha discussed additional areas for collaboration in agriculture, as well as the status of ongoing partnerships. KARLIGO INC is planning to execute a three-phased hydroponic production system.
The hydroponic system is based on nutrient film techniques and soilless production systems. The project will see the production of fresh herbs, lettuce and other leafy vegetables as well as other high-valued crops, the release said. The hydroponic system is said to foster rapid growth, stronger yields, and superior quality. Last December, KARLIGO INC signed a Memorandum of Under-standing (MoU) with the ministry to execute the project. In the first phase of the project, the company will construct a 2,000 square metre state-of-the-art hydroponic system, and install a cold room, packaging facility, harvesting equipment, irrigation controllers, fertilizer mixers, water recycling system, and emergency water storage.
Phase two entails the construction and installation of an advanced greenhouse system. Phase three would see the construction of a regional distribution centre to store, process and package vegetables for local and international markets. Given the company’s expertise, the produce is expected to meet all the necessary United States Department of Agriculture and European Food Safety Authority standards and regulations.
Mustapha last December disclosed that KARLIGO Inc., is one of several investors who had expressed interest in constructing a hydroponic project in Guyana. The company was engaged by the government since last October about developing such a project.
Mustapha said that the hydroponic system will be integrated into the current shadehouse project that is currently ongoing on the East Coast of Demerara. “With climate change having a great impact on traditional agricultural practices, hydroponics, and other forms of smart agriculture, are becoming more prominent within farming communities across the country,” the statement noted.
