Addressing regional leaders and stakeholders at the opening ceremony of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) 38th Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali of Guyana delivered a resounding call for increased resources directed towards agriculture and food production. Held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Liliendaal, President Ali underscored the pivotal role of agriculture in mitigating global issues such as malnutrition and poverty.
Highlighting the urgent need for action, President Ali emphasized that agriculture accounts for a significant portion of global water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, making it imperative to address threats to the sector promptly. He urged attendees to utilize the conference as a platform to confront these challenges head-on.
Demonstrating his government’s commitment to bolstering the agricultural sector, President Ali revealed a substantial increase in budgetary allocations, soaring from $13.3 billion in 2019 to $32.2 billion in 2023—an impressive surge of 150%. This significant investment has already yielded tangible results, with notable growth observed in forestry, livestock, and fishing industries.
President Ali further stressed the importance of integrating newer technologies into food production operations to enhance efficiency and productivity. Setting ambitious targets, he announced the government’s aim to ensure that 35% of all new farms are owned by women and young people, signaling a commitment to fostering inclusivity and empowerment within the agricultural landscape.
The president cited various ongoing initiatives geared towards achieving this objective, including hydroponics farming, shade house farming, the cut rose project, and the black belly sheep project. These programs not only promote sustainable farming practices but also contribute to the economic empowerment of marginalized groups.
In his keynote address, President Ali reiterated the crucial role of political will in addressing food security challenges, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts among regional leaders to drive necessary investments in food production. He hailed Guyana’s remarkable increase in agricultural spending as a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring food security and fostering economic growth.
The event, attended by esteemed dignitaries including Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha, FAO’s Director-General Qu Dongyu, and other key stakeholders, serves as a platform for collaborative discussions aimed at advancing agricultural development and food security in the region.
With the FAO Regional Conference slated to continue until March 21, President Ali’s impassioned plea for enhanced agricultural investment and collaboration sets a promising tone for addressing the pressing challenges facing Latin America and the Caribbean in achieving food security and sustainable development.
