Introduction
	Fisheries
	Crops
	Livestock
	Forestry
	Research
	Marketing
	Conclusion

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Introduction

Ever since its establishment in December, 1997, the Ministry of Fisheries, Crops and Livestock with Responsibilities for Forestry has been moving ahead with development in all of its Sectors, Sub-sectors and Agencies. This advancement include the realization of new local and foreign investment, expansion of industries previously under-capitalized, sustainable harvesting of natural resources, agro-processing, successful research in post harvest management, re-capitalizing on overseas markets, creation of many new jobs and revitalizing of our coffee, cocoa, cashew and coconut industries among many others.

In 1999, non-traditional crops and the fisheries sub-sector contributed just over 22% to the total agricultural output with 6.4% and 15.7% respectively.

That apart, this ministry has also been contributing in a significant way towards improving the lives of our farmers throughout Guyana by way of providing extension services and equipment for them. We have also been actively involved in providing relief to farmers who suffered loss of crops due to negative weather patterns like El Nino and La Nina.

As described herein, it is evident that the Ministry of Fisheries, Crops and Livestock with Responsibilities for Forestry has been executing its mandate in keeping with the needs of our thousands of farmers and forrestors who are working tirelessly to contribute towards the development of Guyana.

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• The largest freshwater aquaculture demonstration farm and training centre in the Caribbean is currently being set up at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara with the view to further promote freshwater aquaculture development by providing on site training of farmers. This project is being funded by CIDA, FAO and the Government of Guyana.

• There is an abundance of three different species of tilapia fingerlings for sale at the Anna Regina Fish Culture Station for potential freshwater fish farmers.

• Our thrust to develop the aquaculture industry has resulted in the cultivated acreage rising from 2.5 acres in 1997 to over 2000 acres to date.

• We have established the Fisheries Advisory Committee to advise the Minister on significant matters affecting the fishing industry. This committee has since formulated and submitted a document with a view to curb illegal activities at sea including piracy.

• In keeping with international standards to ensure that trawler owners/operators comply with Turtle Excluder Device regulations for protection and conservation of marine turtles, this Ministry has implemented an Observer Programme, thereby guaranteeing that Guyana continues to export seafood to the United States of America and other destinations.

• Seafood exports grew from US45.3 million during 1998 to US$50.1 million during 1999.

• The private sector continues to make progress in the improvement of standards for fish processing operations and several are on their way to meeting the very stringent standards required by the European Union. Plans are already underway for improving our laboratory testing facilities in this regard.

• In terms of investment in this sector three new seafood processing facilities with investments totaling hundreds of millions of dollars were recently commissioned, ensuring jobs for approximately two thousand persons. They are Pritipaul Singh Investments, B.M. Enterprise and Romar Company Limited.

• Government has granted approval for establishment of a US$2 million fish and meat-processing facility by Royal Caribbean Inc. This in itself will create a further fifty jobs.

For more information on the Fisheries Department...

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• Organic farming commenced in a significant way this year with the rehabilitation of 100 acres of cocoa plantations in Mabaruma/Hosororo, Region One, with support from the Prince of Wales Fund and with identified marketing opportunities in England. Subsequently a special committee has been set up to develop a five year strategic plan for the propagation of intensive organic agriculture, an area with vast market potentials in European countries. The export target by the year 2002 for organic cocoa is 50,000 pounds.

• A peanut production programme commenced in the Rupununi through an institutional effort between this Ministry and Inter American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) with the aim of improving the volume and quality of the product to suit local and overseas markets.

• Cashew nut processing represents another exciting initiative at St Ignatius, Region 9. This project is based on improving existing cashew production efforts and involves the introduction of innovative cashew nut roasting methods. This product is currently on sale on the local market.

• Progress has been made in resuscitating the honey, cut flower, oil palm and cassava industries.

• With support form the IICA this Ministry was able to successfully contain the Carambola Fruit Fly, which surfaced in the Orealla area.

• We acquired and distributed fifty Chinese walking tractors across the ten administrative regions of Guyana with the intention of assisting small cash crop farmers to cultivate their crops cheaper and easier.

• During 1999 the G$350 million Pomeroon Oil Mil was commissioned with the capacity to purchase all the copra that is being produced in Region No. 2 (Pomeroon/Supenaam). This has engineered a revitalization of the coconut industry with hundreds of acres of coconut plantations being rehabilitated to meet the new demand for copra.

• During 1999 about 1000 tonnes of crude oil with a value of almost US$1 million was exported.

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• The Ministry of Fisheries, Crops & Livestock continues with the implementation of its Livestock Development Programme. The focus is on promoting efficiency in the rearing of livestock such as poultry, cattle, swine, sheep and goats. The aim is to achieve increased production and productivity, export of livestock and livestock products and attaining self- sufficiency.

• Consequently poultry meat production continues to increase. Today Guyanese can boast of this country being self sufficient in eggs and 80% self-sufficiency in poultry meat. In fact, we have commenced exportation of eggs to Suriname.

• The poultry industry has grown significantly from 1992 to date with estimated assets of US$30 million. This is comprised of about 3,400 enterprises including 300 pluck shops, four processing plants, 50 commercial farms, 3000 small farmers, 12 hatcheries, 80 trucks and four stockfeed factories with employment figures at approximately 5000. Confidence in this sector has resulted in Guyana Stockfeeds Limited investing in a new G$110 million feed processing plant for the production of pelletised feed with the aim of enhancing poultry production.

• In a remarkable turnaround at the livestock farm of the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI), this non-productive facility in the early 90s has been developed into an outstanding success story, one which blends with this ministry's drive to have farmers diversify from traditional areas of production.

• In 1999 NARI sold a record 72,755 ducklings to farmers across Guyana's coastland. This figure represents a 431% increase over the 1998 figure of 16,856. The facility is geared to continue this trend throughout the year 2000.

• Special focus on this sector has resulted in the acquisition of support from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) for setting up of a milk pasteurization plant at Danzic, Mahaica with a view to ensure that initially, dairy farmers between the Mahaica and Abary Rivers would have ready markets for their milk. This would also ensure that cows’ milk with extended shelf life is available to the Guyanese public, across the counter.

• With the recognition of Guyana being free from Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) by the International Organisation of Epizootics (OIE) in France, we would soon be able to export livestock products. This will certainly trigger significant investments in the livestock sector and consequently increase job opportunities and earning capacity for livestock farmers.

• Support has been received from FAO for a special project for updating Guyana's Veterinary Legislation to internationally acceptable standards. A consultant has already been engaged and work on this project is ongoing.

For information on the National Dairy and Development Programme (NDDP)...

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• Export earnings for 1999 was recorded at US$32.17 million. This represents a 12.9% increase over 1998, which saw the export figure at US$30.1 million. This Ministry continues to promote value-added activities in the forestry sector.

• The Guyana Forestry Commission has drafted a National Strategic Plan with improved systems for forest resource allocation. The Commission engages continuously in monitoring of forest operations to ensure compliance with its operational and environmental standards.

• The year 2000 will witness the Forestry Sector continue to hold its own with over US$32 million being ploughed into the industry by two separate foreign entities namely; Jilin Industries (Guyana) Inc of China and Forest Enterprise Limited of the Netherlands. Together, these two facilities will provide jobs for some 500 persons.

• The GFC has managed to minimise illegal activities through the establishment of a 24-hour monitoring unit. This has resulted in a great reduction in the incidence of illegal activities by loggers and improved systems for revenue collection.

• The GFC is moving forward with the objective of getting Guyana certified internationally as an exporter of wood and wood products in accordance with environmentally friendly practices.

Guyana Forestry Commission Home Page 

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• A major element in the agricultural thrust is to make the research and extension services more responsive towards the needs of the farmer. In this regard the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) has increased its capacity and drive in making farmers aware of improvements in technology for production and post harvest handling of their crops.

• The institute has developed technology to significantly increase the shelf life of perishable crops like cassava, breadfruit, papaw, pineapple and mangoes.

• It is also currently engaged in a project to promote the cultivation of mushroom in Guyana by using technology adopted from China. Remarkable success has been reported in this area.

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• The New Guyana Marketing Corporation continues to provide support through the provision of technical advice and marketing services to farmers and exporters.  These include the processing of export documents, sale of packaging materials and the retailing of farm produce at outlets in Georgetown, Berbice and Lethem.

• The outbreak of the Pink Mealy Bug pest in Guyana had impeded exports during 1997 and 1998.  However, due to the introduction of bio-control methods by the Pink Mealybug Coordination Unit of this Ministry, exportation of fruits and vegetables to some Caribbean countries resumed.  Export figures to Barbados alone during 1999 amounted to 260 tonnes.  

• In keeping with internationally acceptable standards, a Central Packaging Facility has been established by the NGMC at the Sophia Exhibition Complex with provisions for the presence of Quarantine and Customs Officials to guide and facilitate a smooth system for the exportation of fruits and vegetables.

• The NGMC continues to implement an aggressive and active market expansion and diversification drive.  In so doing, the corporation is seeking to increase consumption of local products through the launching of the very successful Buy Local Campaign in April 1999 apart from participating in overseas trade fairs.

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Our policy at the Ministry of Fisheries, Crops and Livestock continues to emphasize the removal of constraints to production and trade.  Notably, Central Government has intensified its support to agriculture development through increased expenditure on the rehabilitation and expansion of public goods and institutional reforms in areas like drainage and irrigation, farm to market access roads, research, market intelligence and extension services.

In view of this the Ministry of Fisheries, Crops and Livestock has given priority to measures aimed at the infusion of new technical knowledge, the upgrading of plant nurseries, the reformation and strengthening of agricultural support services and improving accessibility to land for agricultural activities. It is envisaged that such initiatives will lead to more vibrant fisheries, crops, livestock and forestry sub-sectors.

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