Shrimp farming in Region Six is thriving, driven by significant government investment to bolster local production and improve livelihoods. During a recent meeting with shrimp farmers at the Albion Community Center Ground, Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha, highlighted the success of the government’s brackish water shrimp project, which led to an impressive $1.8 billion in earnings for farmers last year.
Minister Mustapha noted that production has surged since the government began working closely with farmers, reflecting the commitment to sustaining regional development. “These are large sums of funds the government is investing to help you develop your production,” he said, adding, “This money is not going to the government; it’s not going to the capital city of Georgetown. It’s remaining in the region. Last year, you all earned a total of $1.8 billion for Region Six, and that money remains in the village economy.”
The project’s first phase, which supports 80 small, medium, and large-scale shrimp farmers, is nearly complete, with plans to assist an additional 45 farmers in expanding and developing their ponds. This initiative aligns with the PPP/C Government’s pledge to invest in the people of Guyana and enhance their quality of life. “The People’s Progressive Party Civic Government has mandated to invest in the people of Guyana to improve their lives and livelihood. This is a commitment that persons should not take for granted,” Mustapha emphasized.
The success of Region Six has spurred interest in other areas, including Region Five, the Essequibo Coast, and Region Four. Minister Mustapha noted, “Because of your successes, we took the project to Region Five, and we are looking at the Essequibo Coast and Region Four. The people are coming to us because they see the success of Region Six because of your success.”
Before government intervention, shrimp farmers in Region Six were producing around 9,000 kilograms monthly. Today, they are achieving over 98,000 kilograms per month, showcasing the transformative impact of strategic investments. With this growth trajectory, Region Six is establishing itself as a model for sustainable shrimp farming in Guyana, boosting both local economies and the livelihoods of its people.
