President Irfaan Ali yesterday turned the sod for a $200 million multi-stage and multi-purpose farm at the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) branch in Region Two. In the first phase, a hydroponic farm will be constructed for the purpose of planting crops such as lettuce, bell pepper, kale, celery, pak-choi and tomatoes. The second phase will be geared towards animal husbandry for different breeds of animals. Both facilities will be constructed on one acre of land.
Speaking to a large gathering early yesterday morning, the President said the
project is geared at pushing economic growth in the region. The project, according to Ali, will focus on empowering over two hundred youth, women and local entrepreneurs in the region. It is also intended to focus on high-value crops that are needed primarily within the hospitality sector thus adding revenue to the region. Ali said revenue is expected to start to flow in the second year and the projection is estimated at $65 million. The facility is designed to be self-reliant and will supply food sustainably throughout the region.