-ministry in response to SN editorial
The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) said on Tuesday that its agro-processing facilities have been performing well and over 100 items were added to the Guyana Shop in 2023.
In a statement, the ministry was responding to several queries raised in a Stabroek News editorial dated October 1, titled, “We need to know how the state-run agro-processing facilities are faring”.
The MoA said that while it is the overarching body tasked with guiding and implementing developmental policies of the government on agriculture, the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) has the responsibility for ensuring that these agro-processing facilities function effectively.
It assured that while farmers and agro-processors in Guyana and around the world continue to experience challenges due to several factors such as climate change, the Government of Guyana through the MoA, continues to implement programmes and initiatives to strengthen Guyana’s food production systems.
The release highlighted that one such measure taken to achieve this is the decentralisation of agro-processing facilities, in an effort to ensure that farmers, and potential, aspiring, and established agro-processors across all regions in Guyana have access to such facilities. It reminded that these facilities contribute to food security by making the facilities available for stakeholders to extend the shelf life of perishable commodities, and also by facilitating a value-added, technology-driven industry that also stimulates job creation for farmers and stakeholders in Guyana.
It also assured that the agro-processing sector has the administration’s full support. “Since August 2020, the agro-processing sector has received tremendous support from the Minister of Agriculture and the Government of Guyana through increased budgetary support and investments with the hope of meeting the demands of various communities across Guyana and in the diaspora.”
The MoA informed that through its executing agency, the GMC, it has successfully established agro-processing facilities in regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Nine, and Ten, and pushed back against the editorial’s statement that the final products made at these facilities are not showcased.
“Contrary to the writer’s statement about not showcasing the final products produced at these facilities, the Ministry of Agriculture through the GMC has a wide range of products that includes these commodities on sale at the Guyana Shop. Apart from that, many products are also available at various Guyana Shop Corners and supermarkets countrywide. Additionally, for 2023, a total of 265 women from St. Ignatius, White Water, Watooka, Charity, and Fort Wellington benefited from training in various agro-processing techniques such as packaging, labeling, and preservation techniques.”
And in addition to the aforementioned locations, the facilities in regions One, and Nine, which are operated by the Morning Glory Women’s Group, and the Growing Our Own Destiny Women’s Group, respectively, continue to sustain production levels of traditional foods including cassava products, cashews, and peanut butter. “Not only are these facilities supporting food security at the community level but also supplemental income for persons who opt to utilize the services offered by these facilities. In Region Nine, products manufactured at the facilities support the regional school feeding programme and are sold at supermarkets within the region.”
The MoA noted that these facilities provide direct employment for approximately 38 Indigenous women who not only preserve their traditional foods using improved eco-friendly production facilities but are more empowered financially to contribute to their families and communities.
Further, since the facilities in regions Two, Three, and Four, were commissioned, a number of established agro-processors, including five commercially established ones, are utilising these facilities to increase their production levels and meet the demand for their local and export markets. The facility in Region Two is operated by the Pomeroon Women’s Agro-processors Association while facilities in Region Four are operated by Suncrest Farms, Dana’s Products, and Indigenous Coconut Oils.
And in regions Five and Ten, extensive training is ongoing for an increasing number of emerging agro- processors who are utilising these facilities to meet the demand of their various communities. In Region Ten, the Watooka Agro Processing Facility is expanding to include the usage of a commercial dehydrator. Facilities in these regions are operated by D&S Pepper Sauce and Green Seasoning agro-processors (Region Five), and Mara Products and House of Spices Women’s Group (Region Ten). One of the most successful facilities in Region Nine is operated by the Helping Hands Women’s Group.
The MoA also referenced the mention in the editorial of the 130 new agro-processed products introduced to the market that were announced earlier in the year. It explained that while some of the products were from new agro-processors, others were new products manufactured by established agro-processors.
“The Ministry of Agriculture remains dedicated to promoting and facilitating the development of agricultural markets in Guyana with the GMC being mandated to play a vital role in advancing the agro-processing industry and enhancing food security in the nation. As such it reiterates its commitment to the farmers, agro-processors, and stakeholders of the agriculture sector of this country, and remains resolute in its efforts to ensure stakeholders have constant access to critical facilities and services to sustain food security which the Stabroek News should support,” the release added
