As Guyana steps confidently into a new era of economic development, its agriculture sector remains not only a backbone of the local economy but also a springboard for sustainable growth and international collaboration. Rich in arable land, freshwater resources, and a favourable climate, Guyana is now blending traditional farming with innovative practices to boost productivity, resilience, and exports—offering immense promise for the nation and its partners, especially India. Agriculture is one of Guyana’s most vital industries, employing nearly 17% of the workforce and contributing around 20% to the country’s non-oil GDP. The nation’s expansive coastal plains and fertile soils have historically made it an agricultural powerhouse in the Caribbean. With approximately 500,000 hectares of arable land, Guyana is well-positioned to serve both regional and global food markets. The government has prioritized the modernization of agriculture through sustainable practices, infrastructure development, and technology adoption. There’s a renewed focus on transforming agriculture from subsistence-based farming to a high-value, export-oriented, and climate-resilient sector.
Key Crops and Agricultural Products
Guyana’s agricultural output is diverse, with rice and sugar historically leading the sector. The country is the largest rice exporter in the Caribbean, with annual production exceeding 1 million tonnes. High-quality varieties like GRDB10 and Aromatic Paddy have gained regional popularity and are now being marketed in Latin America and Africa.
Sugarcane, managed largely by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), is undergoing revitalization through mechanization and diversification into ethanol and molasses products. Government investments are restoring shuttered estates and upgrading processing plants to make sugar a competitive export once more.
Other key crops include:
- Coconut: With increasing global demand for coconut water, oil, and derivatives, Guyana’s production has surged. New coconut nurseries and agro-processing facilities are expanding value chains.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Pineapples, plantains, peppers, pumpkins, and bora are being grown in increasing quantities for export to Canada, the U.S., and CARICOM countries.
- Cassava and Root Crops: These are critical for food security and are part of several pilot projects involving value-added processing like flour and snacks.
Innovation and Smart Agriculture
Innovation is reshaping Guyana’s agricultural landscape. The government, in collaboration with international partners, has launched smart agriculture programs aimed at increasing yields and climate resilience. These include:
- Drone technology for precision spraying and crop monitoring.
- Hydroponics and aquaponics systems being piloted in urban and hinterland areas.
- Climate-smart rice varieties, resistant to saltwater intrusion and drought, developed by the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB).
- A new Agri-Tech Incubator Hub, launched in 2024, supports youth-led agro-enterprises and startups in the sector.
In addition, solar-powered irrigation and mechanized harvesting are being introduced across key farming regions to reduce labour dependency and increase efficiency.
Exports and Global Reach
Guyana’s agro-exports are on the rise. In 2023, the country exported over $300 million worth of agricultural products, a figure expected to grow with new trade deals and better port infrastructure. Key export markets include:
- Caribbean countries: Mainly rice, sugar, and fresh produce.
- North America: Especially ethnic and organic markets for fruits, vegetables, and spices.
- Europe: Interest in organic coconut products and plant-based goods is expanding.
- Africa and Asia: Guyana is exploring trade corridors with these emerging markets.
The opening of the Lethem-to-Georgetown highway will boost exports from interior regions and facilitate cross-border trade with Brazil and Venezuela.
Scope for Expansion and Diversification
The future of agriculture in Guyana is marked by expansion and diversification. The government’s Agriculture and Food Security Strategy 2022–2030 outlines ambitious goals to increase local food production, reduce CARICOM’s food import bill by 25%, and establish Guyana as the region’s breadbasket.
Opportunities exist in:
- Agro-processing: For items like fruit juices, jams, sauces, cassava flour, and coconut oil.
- Livestock and dairy: Efforts are being made to improve breeding and veterinary services for cattle, goats, and poultry.
- Fisheries and aquaculture: With vast inland and marine resources, fish farming (especially tilapia and shrimp) is expanding with sustainable methods.
Strong Relations with India
India and Guyana share a deep bond rooted in history, culture, and growing economic ties—particularly in agriculture. Through technical cooperation, capacity building, and knowledge exchange, India has become a valued partner in Guyana’s agro-development journey.
Highlights of this collaboration include:
- Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programs that train Guyanese agricultural officers and researchers.
- Donations of farm machinery and equipment such as tractors, seeders, and agroprocessors by the Indian government.
- Joint ventures between Indian agribusinesses and Guyanese companies to establish seed production, agro-processing, and storage facilities.
In 2024, a Guyana-India Agricultural Innovation Centre was inaugurated in Region 5 to promote research, sustainable practices, and youth training. This centre is already producing early success stories in organic farming and climate-resilient cropping systems.
Indian Companies and Agri-Investment
Several Indian companies are investing or exploring opportunities in Guyana’s agriculture:
- Mahindra & Mahindra and TAFE Tractors supply agricultural machinery and are in talks to set up assembly units.
- ITC Agri Business Division is exploring partnerships in spice farming and value chain development.
- Nuziveedu Seeds is collaborating with local firms on hybrid seed production for rice and vegetables.
These collaborations not only improve production and profitability but also introduce Indian technologies and techniques that can be adapted to Guyanese conditions. Guyana’s agriculture sector is undergoing a quiet revolution—rooted in tradition but fuelled by innovation, resilience, and international partnerships. With an emphasis on sustainability, food security, and export diversification, the country is poised to become a regional leader in agro-production and agri-business.
Its growing relationship with India—through government cooperation, company investments, and shared expertise—further amplifies this progress. As global demand for sustainable and ethical food production rises, Guyana’s green fields and forward-thinking strategies offer not just hope, but real, lasting opportunity.