A new hydroponic farming project initiative has been launched in Guyana – the largest in the Caribbean, according to President, Irfaan Ali with 300 young Guyanese being the beneficiaries.
The funding comes from the Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI) – a US$100 million investment from the Stabroek block partners, ExxonMobil, Hess, and CNOOC.
Exxon’s Guyana President, Alistair Routledge said at the launch on October 20 that the sustainable farming model being invested in, promotes community growth, workforce skill building, sustainability and increased competitiveness for local businesses.
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“This hydroponics project presents a remarkable opportunity to utilize cost-effective technology to accelerate the pace of food production, increase yields, and fortify the country’s food and agriculture systems. It’s a pivotal step toward bolstering Guyana’s food security,” he continued.
Guyana is positioning itself as the food hub for the Caribbean; a model to be adopted throughout, with the ‘25 by 2025’ goal being led by the South American nation.
President Ali explained that the project – being rolled out in Regions 2, 5 and 10 – will see participants developing skills in marketing, packaging and promotion.
Ali said it is expected that production will kickstart within three to four months and the government will provide the market. One already identified is the budding hotel industry.
Leafy vegetables like kale, collards, spinach, Swiss chard, beet greens are being targeted.
