Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Tuesday said wheat grain research is still ongoing as the government invests heavily in research-driven projects.
Guyana’s agricultural sector is set to benefit from a significant boost in scientific innovation and technological advancement, as the Ministry of Agriculture continues to invest heavily in research-based initiatives.
Among the latest developments are scientific research and eco-friendly initiatives such as the construction of a state-of-the-art $402.5 million tissue culture laboratory, marking a historic first for the country.
This landmark facility, which will be commissioned soon, is expected to support sustainable farming practices and contribute to the diversification and modernisation of the agricultural sector, Minister Mustapha said.
“For the first time in our country’s history, we will be commissioning a tissue culture lab. “We are pushing for sustainable farming, and alongside this lab, we’ve already established a vermicompost unit,” Minister Mustapha said.
On Tuesday, the minister commissioned the vermicompost unit and the ant bait production facility, all of which enable scientists and researchers with reliable facilities. It is also expected to significantly enhance local food production capabilities and crop resilience.
Projects such as the tissue culture lab complements ongoing research ventures that aim to adapt non-traditional crops to Guyana’s climate, such as wheat.
“This marks our government’s commitment to advancing agriculture and ensuring the sector is not forgotten or left behind as the economy grows,” he added.
Minister Mustapha said tropical wheat trials continue, in partnership with the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation. The trials aim to develop wheat varieties capable of thriving in the country’s tropical climate, despite wheat traditionally requiring temperate conditions.
“We are still conducting trials for growing tropical wheat here. “As you know, wheat usually grows in temperate regions, which we don’t have in these parts. That’s why we’re working closely with EMBRAPA to develop a variety that can succeed in our environment,” the minister said.
These initiatives reflect a broader strategy by the government to enhance food security, reduce import dependency, and position Guyana as a leader in agricultural innovation in the region.
The post Wheat grain research ongoing as agriculture ministry invests heavily in research-driven projects appeared first on News Room Guyana.
