A total of $97.6 billion has been set aside for agricultural development in Guyana this year, and a huge part of that allocation will be spent on drainage and irrigation as well as increased food production, as government moves to achieve Vision 25 by 25.
This was revealed by Senior Minister for finance, Dr Ashni Singh during his presentation of the 2024 National Budget.
Out of that allocation, $1.3 billion is for the rice sub-sector, $78 million to the coconut sub-sector, $2.6 billion to advance the production other crops including high-value produce like cauliflower, bell peppers and lettuce, and $967.8 million, to further develop the Tacama facility where corn and soya is being produced.
Additionally, government will continue to support the agro-processing industry through training for farmers, providing storage facilities and expanding market opportunities.
In this regard, $527.4 million has been allocated for agro-processing purposes while $1.2 billion was allocated for aquaculture and fisheries.
Meanwhile, $72.3 billion was allocated for drainage and irrigation works in the 2023 National Budget.
Dr. Singh revealed that the government will this year begin the construction of two huge canals, similar to the massive Hope Canal, in Regions Five and Six.
Additionally, 40 mobile pumps will be placed in several communities.
