President Irfaan Ali yesterday met with students of the Guyana School of Agriculture at the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) where he highlighted several new opportunities for young people to engage in the agricultural sector.
The President emphasized that the Ministry of Agriculture is committed to creating an environment that is conducive for young people and women to enter the agriculture industry, which is becoming more scientific and innovative. He noted that the ministry is working on various programmes to increase yields, diversify cropping systems, and expand production bases while reducing inputs and increasing market share.
Ali also announced a new programme aimed at supporting entrepreneurship and innovation in agriculture. The programme will bring together recent graduates from the University of Guyana and the Guyana School of Agriculture to develop businesses that will create employment opportunities and increase productivity. The initiative will also provide training and mentorship to help young entrepreneurs develop their skills and become successful business owners.
Further, Ali announced plans to establish 100 modern farmsteads across the country, with each farm covering 100 acres of land. The farmsteads, he said, will be designed to produce high-value crops, such as rice, corn, and soybeans, and will be equipped with modern facilities to ensure efficient production. The project will also include housing for single mothers and single parents, who will be provided with resources to repay loans and earn additional income.
Additionally, the President announced plans to establish aquaculture programmes, which will provide opportunities for young people to learn about fish farming and become entrepreneurs in the industry. He also highlighted the success of a hydroponic house in Guyana, which is one of the largest in the Caribbean, and expressed his commitment to creating similar opportunities for young people.
Ali emphasized that his government is committed to creating opportunities for young people to succeed in agriculture and become entrepreneurs. He encouraged the students to take advantage of the opportunities being presented and to work hard to achieve their goals.
