Guyana president to open 20,000 acres of land for farmers
Key Points(5)
- Mohamed Irfaan Ali has unveiled a major initiative aimed at easing the pressure on farmers in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), especially those renting land, by opening 20,000 acres across three new agricultural clusters.
- The announcement was made during a meeting held at the Anna Regina Secondary School auditorium with rice and cash crop farmers, as well as fisherfolk.
- Addressing the gathered farmers and community stakeholders, President Ali acknowledged the difficulties many farmers face with land access and high rental costs, stressing the government’s commitment to supporting both small and large-scale farmers.
- “Let me begin by talking about a critical issue facing Essequibo: that is land ownership… Many of our farmers, especially those planting 30 acres or less, over 1,000 of them do not own the land they cultivate.
- Instead, they are renting land from larger farmers or through arrangements tied to private entities.
Guyana President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has unveiled a major initiative aimed at easing the pressure on farmers in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), especially those renting land, by opening 20,000 acres across three new agricultural clusters.
The announcement was made during a meeting held at the Anna Regina Secondary School auditorium with rice and cash crop farmers, as well as fisherfolk.
Addressing the gathered farmers and community stakeholders, President Ali acknowledged the difficulties many farmers face with land access and high rental costs, stressing the government’s commitment to supporting both small and large-scale farmers.
“Let me begin by talking about a critical issue facing Essequibo: that is land ownership… Many of our farmers, especially those planting 30 acres or less, over 1,000 of them do not own the land they cultivate. Instead, they are renting land from larger farmers or through arrangements tied to private entities. This is a problem we must address immediately,” President Ali said.
While emphasizing that the government cannot simply reclaim land already owned by others, he promised to create new opportunities through significant investment in land development. This, he said, would reduce farmers’ dependence on leased land and provide them with a more secure foundation.
“We cannot simply take away land from existing owners, but we can create new opportunities. That’s why, in the coming months, we will be investing in opening up at least 20,000 acres of new land across three agricultural clusters in Essequibo,” he declared.
Beyond making land available, the President highlighted plans to develop infrastructure including access roads, irrigation systems, and the provision of planting materials, ensuring the new farmland is ready for productive use from the start.
“This initiative goes beyond creating physical access… We will identify farmers as the main beneficiaries—our key partners. The Government will make capital investments to prepare these lands, provide seed paddy, and create a sustainable foundation for long-term farming success,” he said.
Central to the programme is the goal of ending rental costs and giving farmers full ownership, thereby fostering economic empowerment and dignity.
“This will eliminate rental costs, provide land ownership, and give our farmers the dignity and opportunity of owning and cultivating their own land… This is the first urgent matter we are tackling,” President Ali stated.
Additionally, he announced the introduction of farmer-managed machinery systems, including combines, tractors, and ploughs, that will be shared collectively within the land clusters. This cooperative model aims to enhance resilience, boost productivity, and reduce reliance on private millers and external operators.
Farmers welcomed the initiative, emphasizing how high rental fees have long constrained their growth. Cash crop farmer Ravi Persaud said, “This move will bring real relief… When you’re paying high rent every crop, it’s hard to expand or even break even. Owning the land we farm will give us more money in our pocket and a chance to grow.”
The meeting also included the presence of Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha, Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva, Regional Vice Chairman Humace Oodit, Regional Executive Officer Susana Saywack, Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture Ricky Ramraj, and other regional officials.
