food import bill by some 25 per cent by 2025.
But it is not that the country will continue to pursue agricultural production in the traditional sense; instead, President Ali noted that there is a concerted effort being placed in promoting agro-business.
An example of this is the recently launched youth Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme which will be allowing young people to collaborate and tap into the multibillion market for the broccoli, cauliflower and carrots initially.
SUGAR
The President also addressed the $6 billion allocation made for the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo). This allocation, Dr. Singh had said, will be to support GuySuCo’s ongoing investment in field and factory operations to “turn around the industry” as the country seeks to engage private investor interest also in some of the estates.
Concerns have been raised about the profitability of the sector but President Ali defended this stating that investments into GuySuCo are also contributing to the lives and livelihoods of thousands of people.
Importantly, he also explained that these investments are crucial as the government seeks to get local, regional and international investors to buy into the sector.
“… you can’t do so with a dead asset,” he highlighted.
And such private investments, he explained, would diversify the products that the industry generates, create more jobs and increase and expand production.
