The government said it is committed to the cultivation of corn and soya beans in the intermediate savannahs in order to become self-sufficient by 2025.
The administration plans to invest some $150 million in the construction of a wharf in the Tacama area to further support the industry this year.
The project will provide riverine access to the area under cultivation, making it more accessible for farmers to transport and export their produce.
The government has committed over $1.2 billion to infrastructural development in the Tacama area.
125 acres of corn and soya bean was part of the 2021the trial and the government said this has shown success.
Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha told the Department of Public Information (DPI) government’s intention is to continuously increase production to cover at least 25, 000 acres by 2025.
He believes the aim of becoming self-sufficient by 2025 is ambitious, and with the continued support of the government and the private sector, it is achievable.
The key stakeholders in the massive corn and soya bean cultivation include the government, farmers and private companies.
Greater access to the area has been made with the construction of 40 kilometres of road, with the remaining 7 kilometres scheduled to be completed in 2023.
Additionally, the government invested in a drying and storage facility for corn and soya bean which will be completed by the first quarter of this year, establishing the first such facility in the country.
The government’s investment in infrastructure and facilities is expected to significantly increase the yields and profits of farmers and boost the country’s economy.
Government has also announced plans to expand cultivation in Moco Moco Village, North Rupununi as the ministry of agriculture continues assessing the capacities in other regions, with the aim of taking the project there in the future.
Meanwhile, farmers have been provided with subsidies and training programmes to help increase their yields and improve their livelihoods.
