Guyana is already producing enough poultry meat to satisfy domestic demand, according to Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, who told the National Assembly recently that limited chicken imports are only being permitted to meet growing demand from the country’s expanding tourism and hospitality sectors.
The disclosure came in a written response to a question from Opposition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament Terrence Campbell, who had asked whether the Ministry of Agriculture had set a target date for achieving poultry meat self-sufficiency and what measures were being implemented to support that goal.
In his response, Mustapha said Guyana is “currently self-sufficient and able to meet local demand,” explaining that the rapid expansion of the hospitality industry has increased demand for specific chicken parts, necessitating limited imports despite local production being sufficient.
The minister also outlined a series of government interventions aimed at strengthening the poultry industry and maintaining self-sufficiency. Among the measures, he said all imported poultry inputs continue to benefit from a zero-rated tax regime to reduce production costs for farmers. He also noted that Parliament has approved approximately $60 million for the procurement of vaccines to safeguard flock health.
According to Mustapha, the ministry is also providing ongoing biosecurity training and promoting improved disease prevention measures, including the use of spray races, drive-through dips and crate washers. He said the ministry’s extension services are being modernised through the introduction of a digital system that allows for real-time tracking and enhanced support to poultry farmers.
The government is also pursuing climate resilience initiatives within the sector, including the establishment of temperature-controlled broiler pens in coastal regions and the expansion of its broiler breeder programme this year, Mustapha pointed out.
Campbell had sought details on the government’s timeline for returning Guyana to poultry self-sufficiency, as well as the budgetary allocations, subsidies, infrastructure and training programmes being deployed to support the industry.
Discussion