Over 300 persons including farmers, agro- processors, women, youth, and other stakeholders, will benefit from a $28.3 million agro-processing facility at Charity in Region Two.
The facility was commissioned on Friday by the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the Regional Democratic Council through the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC).
Among the attendees at the ceremony were Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha; General Manager of the GMC, Teshawna Lall; Permanent Secretary, Delma Nedd; and Director Madanlall Ramraj, along with regional officials.
Mustapha in his remarks, posited that the facility will add value to products while benefitting persons around the community. He disclosed that by the end of 2023, 13 such facilities will be built around the country.
The minister noted that the facility will aid in the expansion of the sector and urged ago-processors to make maximum use of the facility.
According to Mustapha, the government has made massive investments in the Pomeroon communities and with the investments will come with increased production. He also assured that the agriculture sector will continue to modernise to benefit all in the sector.
Meanwhile, Lall echoed that the facility will aid in further growth and development. She informed the gathering that the facility is projected to produce 24,000 litres of cassareep, and 3,600 litres of sauces and seasonings per month.
It is designed to offer 24-hour service with the availability of mixers, blenders, stoves, stainless steel containers, and chillers. There is also a solar dryer to assist in the dehydration of carambola and other fruit and produce.
“Enhancing product value is a key focus at the Guyana Marketing Corporation, we are aggressively pursuing this path with agro-processors nationwide, ensuring that our locally manufactured products are prepared for local, regional, and international markets,” the General Manager said.
She added that where technology is simplified by connectivity, consumer behaviour and spending habits are evolving rapidly and that more people are embracing online shopping through e-commerce platforms.
Permanent Secretary Delma Nedd urged farmers and agro-processors to take care of the facility, while echoing that it will increase the production and add value to the fruits produced in the Pomeroon communities.
Agro-processor Richard Luke Somerset said that he has benefited from the facility and urged others to take advantage of the opportunity offered.
A similar facility will be commissioned soon at Anna Regina.
