In a significant move to enhance food production and bolster food security, the government of Guyana has unveiled an ambitious plan in collaboration with the ministries of agriculture and education that aims to establish dedicated agriculture sections within every school in the country.
This momentous announcement was made by the Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, during a special event held at the Georgetown Cricket Club to commemorate World Food Day.
The government has been actively diversifying the agricultural sector over the past three years, and this diversification effort has given rise to the Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme (AIEP), widely recognized as the shade house initiative.
The AIEP is the brainchild of President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and has a twofold purpose. It seeks to provide young individuals with practical experience in cultivating high-value crops within shade houses while simultaneously advancing food security goals for the nation.
Under the purview of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), one hundred shade houses have been procured to be distributed to various regions, involving over 200 young people. Graduates from a range of educational institutions are actively participating in this program, contributing to the growth and success of the initiative.
Since its launch in January 2022, the AIEP program has witnessed substantial expansion. Initially, President Ali announced the creation of 25 shade houses for the production of high-value crops like broccoli, sweet pepper, bell peppers, and parsley. The program’s success is exemplified by its potential to benefit 2,210 Agri-entrepreneurs and the increased availability of local and regional markets for high-value crops.
While this initiative represents a significant leap forward in promoting agricultural education, the Minister of Agriculture has assured that more comprehensive details regarding the integration of agriculture into school curricula will be disclosed in the near future. This commitment underscores the government’s dedication to cultivating a culture of agriculture among students and ensuring a more food-secure future for the nation.
