Agro-processing on the rise
─ lots of new innovative products
─ products coming in from across Guyana
By Nikosi Bruce
DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, May 29, 2019
More than 40 new products have been added to the shelves of the ‘Guyana Shop’ so far this year.
According to General Manager of the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC), Ida Sealey-Adams, Guyana has seen a boost in the number of processed products and other areas, over the years. Sealey-Adams spoke exclusively with the Department of Public Information (DPI). “We have seen growth in terms of the range of products, we’ve seen growth in terms of innovative products, we’ve seen growth in terms of the number of products that agro-processors are producing… We’ve seen over the years, the golden apple barbecue sauce… We’ve also seen products improved; an existing agro-processor improved on their products… for instance, there are now ginger flavoured tamarind balls.”
In addition to the growing number of agro-processors, products are also now coming in from more regions across Guyana. Previously, products would only be available from the coastland and central areas, that is no longer the case.
“When we reopened, most of the products were coming from region four and region three, now we have products from almost all of the regions of the country,” Sealey-Adams explained.
GMC also helps producers to get their products into the various market. Through its facilities, processors can have their products placed in the ‘Guyana Shop’ located at the corners of Robb and Alexander Streets.
The agricultural marketing agency also provides brokerage services for those wishing to export, at an extremely minimal fee.
In addition to these services, there are the packaging facilities which can be utilised by producers and farmers to clean and prepare their produce for exportation. The corporation also rents field crates, which help in the transportation of produce for export.
Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder recently handed over a refrigerated truck to the corporation to further aid in assisting farmers and agro-processors in transporting temperature sensitive products.
Images: Keno George