Agro processing facility to create employment, help farmers in Black Bush Polder

– Agri Minister

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, MP, says an agro-processing facility that is set to be built in Black Bush Polder will help farmers to get “real value” for their produce, and create approximately 50-60 jobs there.

Minister Mustapha made this statement while signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UMAMI Incorporated on Tuesday.

“This facility will help the farmers in Black Bush Polder to process their produce and at the same time create more jobs for the citizens,” he said, at the simple signing exercise held at his office.

Minister Mustapha says the Government has plans for several small agro-processing facilities across the country.

Since the PPP/C took office in August, there have been tremendous developments in the agriculture sector, which has spurred new and renewed interest from famers and investors. 

The Government, he said, will ensure the necessary facilities are built for farmers to get the best results and value of their produce.

Meanwhile, the Government is also working to put measures in place to remove barriers that are blocking Guyana’s export to Caribbean countries and other parts of the world.

Chief Executive Officer – Guyana Office for Investment, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop said the country has seen an increase in both foreign and local investors in the past year and close to 500 jobs would be created in the agriculture sector.

“Who we’re more proud of is that our local folks are stepping up to the plate to invest in agro-processing, in large scale farming, so our Office is seeing a significant increase in the agriculture sector,” he said.

Additionally, UMAMI’s Director General, Mr. Chris Persaud said the company is excited to start the project as it has been in the pipelines for some time.  

“So, it’s also an opportunity for integration into our existing line of products. We also see it as an opportunity to help to transfer technology to the farmers to increase their capacity,” he said.

Mr. Persaud also said the products made by the facility would be UMAMI branded. The project is set to commence in the next six months.