Agriculture Minister, Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha, accompanied by a team from ExxonMobil Guyana, visited the construction site of the AIEP Hydroponic Farm at Fort Wellington, West Coast Berbice. The project is part of the government’s initiative to transform agriculture through innovation and reduce the country’s food import bill.
During discussions with representatives from the oil and gas company, Minister Mustapha emphasized that the facility aims to produce high-quality, high-value crops while engaging more young people in agriculture.
He announced that the Fort Wellington facility is on track to become fully operational within two months, while construction on two additional facilities is scheduled to commence in the coming week.
The AIEP Hydroponic Project was launched last year during the Agri-Investment Forum and Expo by H.E. President Dr. Irfaan Ali alongside officials from ExxonMobil, Hess Corporation, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited.
With an investment of US$4.5 million, the project includes the establishment of hydroponic farms in Regions Two, Five, and Ten. These facilities aim to empower over 1,000 youths by providing hands-on experience in sustainable agribusinesses.