The government of Guyana recently announced that four specialists from Cuba will help its indigenous communities to expand and develop honey production.
Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali shared that the initiative aims to cultivate a distinct brand of Guyanese honey, linked to the country’s lush rainforests, to be marketed as a specialized product.
He was speaking during the final day of the annual National Toshaos Conference.
Investing in agricultural training for indigenous communities
Ali also revealed plans to train 150 members of indigenous communities in agricultural practices and food security. This educational initiative is part of a broader effort to bolster rural communities with skilled workers in various agricultural sectors.
The trainees will be equipped to serve as veterinarians, agricultural support staff, and extension officers, among other roles.
He told the conference that the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) will also be working with the Ministry of Agriculture in launching an initiative to support organic honey production.
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Financial commitment to food security
To underscore its commitment, President Ali said the government is allocating GUY$300 million (approximately $1.2 million USD) in its next national budget specifically for agricultural and food security developments.
This funding is in response to the identified needs and priorities of the indigenous communities.
A new unit for hinterland food security
In addition to these efforts, a specialized unit will be established to address food security and production in Guyana’s hinterlands. The unit will focus on ensuring that rural communities have consistent access to essential food supplies, thus enhancing overall national food security.
Expanding traditional products and external market outreach
President Ali said that the government’s investment in agriculture will be supplemented by a “robust” program to scale up the production of traditional products in Guyana’s Region One.
He further shared that the Ministry of Agriculture is also actively seeking long-term arrangements for large-scale production of sweet cassava to meet external market demands.
