Min Mustapha welcomes DDL’s US$30M investment in pregnant heifers

“This is a very good thing for us and I welcome it”…..

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has welcomed the arrival of 89 pregnant heifers, describing it as a major step in Guyana’s efforts to reduce dependence on imported dairy products.

The heifers, part of a US$30 million investment by Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), arrived at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) aboard a specialised Amerijet charter flight and form the first batch for the company’s dairy project at Moblissa along the Soesdyke/Linden Highway.

Speaking with the Department of Public Information (DPI), Minister Mustapha said the initiative aligns with the government’s food security agenda and reflects a vision long advocated at the national level.

“And I hope that other private sector organisations follow suit because what we are doing now in Guyana, …as a policy of the government, we want to boost both dairy and beef production. While DDL is doing that. Very shortly, we will be importing approximately 1,000 pregnant heifers for both dairy and beef to develop our beef industry,” Minister Mustapha said.

“So, this is a good step forward, this is a call that was answered by the private sector, a call that was made by His Excellency the President. I am glad. This will help Guyana boost food exports and food production because we are now building that food hub at Yarrowkabra, and this will help us tremendously,” the minister said.

Minister Mustapha noted that the investment will also support Guyana and CARICOM’s “25 by 2025” food security initiative, which aims to reduce the region’s food import bill.

“I will also be visiting this site again in the near future because I have been in constant contact with DDL. Even our officers from the GLDA accompanied DDL when they went to inspect these animals in the U.S. So, this is a good thing for us,” he added.

In a statement, DDL described the arrival of the high-yielding cattle as a historic turning point for Guyana’s dairy industry.

The company said the animals were transported under strict supervision and are now being acclimatised at a modern facility equipped with climate-control systems to ensure maximum comfort and productivity.

Specialists from the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), along with DDL officials, oversaw the operation to ensure compliance with animal welfare and safety standards.

DDL Executive Chairman Komal Samaroo said the investment signals a transformative moment for the agriculture sector.

“We are not just building a farm; we are building a sustainable industry that will transform Guyana’s agribusiness sector and provide long-term food security for the region,” he said.

The company also acknowledged the support of several agencies, including the GLDA, CJIA, the Guyana Revenue Authority, the Guyana Police Force, and other partners involved in the operation.