Women-led ventures making significant impact on overall production – Agri. Minister

With women participation in agricultural projects at 35 per cent and an expected increase to 50 per cent by 2030, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has said women are integral players for the sector.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of the Micro and Women Entrepreneur Learning Centre on Tuesday, the minister disclosed the significance of women’s participation.

“Although agriculture is often viewed as a labour intensive and male dominated field.

“Guyanese women have always been integral to the sector from planting and harvesting in our rice fields and sugar estate, to tending kitchen gardens, rearing livestock and running agro-processing ventures,” the Agriculture Minister said.

Now, women are involved in almost every area of the sector and the impact is undeniable. Guyana has reduced its import of crops, that previously cost the country $2.6 billion, through the Agriculture Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programme which has 300 shade houses operated by women.

“We are now supplying the oil and gas industry and hospitality industry,” the minister said.

Another project that has massive women participation with significant impact is the One Guyana Cut Rose project, which produces 400 roses weekly. This initiative provides employment for single mothers and reduced the rose import by 30 per cent.

The Hinterland Environmentally Sustainable Agriculture Development Programme (US$11.1 million) is also highly joined by women supporting ventures in cattle rearing, poultry, crops, AP culture, agro-processing, bakeries and eco-tourism.

Women’s participation, along with youth participation in the sector is a major goal for the government. They are beneficiaries of several projects that aim for inclusion.