Major expansion of agricultural production in Regions 8, 9 expected 

President Dr Irfaan Ali outlined major targets for expanded agricultural production in Regions Eight and Nine, a venture he said will be supported by the construction of new airstrips across the hinterland.

As he addressed the commissioning ceremony for the upgraded Aishalton Airstrip on Thursday, President Ali said the government is mulling the construction of about 35 additional airstrips across Guyana’s vast hinterland.

Those airstrips will not only boost travel but also aid the trade of agricultural produce.

Some of the minimum production targets in Regions Eight and Nine include: 500,000 pounds of citrus, 50,000 pounds of potatoes, 200,000 pounds of peanuts, one million pounds of carrots, 150,000 pounds of mangoes, 200,000 pounds of beef, and 10,000 pounds of cashew nuts.

The Ministry of Agriculture and the Guyana Marketing Corporation are expected to meet with farmers and residents to figure out ways of massively expanding production and trade.