The Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI) is supporting the expansion of hydroponics farming to increase agriculture production, boosting food security in the country. The programme is expected to support Guyana’s efforts to reduce CARICOM’s food import bill by 25 percent by 2025 while at the same time, benefitting hundreds of women and youth.
The Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme expansion was launched on day one of the Agri-Investment Forum and Expo 2023 at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on October 20 and will be conducted in regions two, five and ten.
President of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, Mr. Alistair Routledge said that the GGI is pleased to support Guyana in harnessing its agriculture potential. “ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, Hess Guyana Exploration Limited, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited are proud that our contributions in Guyana involve much more than delivering revenues from oil and gas. We are committed to supporting capacity development, fostering sustainable economic diversification, and creating healthy prosperous communities,” he shared.
President of Guyana, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali in his address commended the companies for their commitment to helping Guyana achieve its goals. “I want to recognise the tremendous work and commitment of these companies to Guyana, the holistic development of Guyana and for aligning your investment with the priorities of the country and more importantly, creating opportunities for young people and women to be part of this innovative idea in building food security but doing so in a profitable way,” the President stated.
Meanwhile, President of One Guyana Agriculture Incorporated, Ms. Teesha Mangra-Singh said the programme will empower the next generation of leaders in agriculture. “As we embrace hydroponics, we are embracing a future where our youths are given the continuous opportunity to be at the forefront of the agriculture revolution,” she said.
ExxonMobil Guyana Limited and its co-venturers, Hess and CNOOC, continue to support sustainable projects in Guyana through the GGI. In 2022, the GGI funded a Hinterland Poultry Project valued more than $120 million or US$608,000 to boost the poultry industry in the hinterland regions.
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