Guyana is set to elevate its food production capabilities with the commissioning of the nation’s inaugural hydroponics farm, as announced by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha during a recent press conference. This milestone is scheduled to coincide with the regional Agri-Investment Forum and Expo taking place later this month.
The Ministry of Agriculture previously signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Israeli firm KARLICO INC., marking the project’s inception. The hydroponic production system aims to bolster domestic food production and reduce the country’s reliance on food imports.
Hydroponics is a cultivation technique that uses a water-based nutrient solution instead of traditional soil, often involving an aggregate substrate for plant growth. Guyana’s hydroponics project, with an estimated investment of US$15,750,000, features a three-phase hydroponic production system employing nutrient film techniques and soilless growing methods. This system is designed for the cultivation of fresh herbs, lettuce, leafy vegetables, and other high-value crops that can be adjusted to meet market demands.
The first phase of the project encompasses a state-of-the-art hydroponic system covering 2,000 square meters, complete with a cold room, packaging facilities, harvesting equipment, irrigation controllers, fertiliser mixers, water recycling systems, and emergency water storage.
The second phase involves constructing and installing an advanced greenhouse system, while the third phase entails establishing a regional distribution center. This center will gather, process, package, and deliver various agricultural and food products to both local and international markets, adhering to the necessary standards and regulations of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the European Food Safety Authority.
Minister Mustapha emphasized the ministry’s intention to collaborate with numerous investors to enhance food security not only in Guyana but also across the Caribbean.
The regional Agri-Investment Forum and Expo will be hosted in Guyana from October 20-22, continuing the tradition initiated during the 33rd Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM held in Belize in 2022. This event serves as a platform to foster agricultural development and investment in the region.
