Brackish water shrimp production is experiencing significant growth along the Corentyne Coast, Guyana, thanks to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government’s substantial investment. The goal is to achieve an annual production of 1.2 million kilograms of shrimp, with a pilot project initiated in July 2021 involving 75 farmers in the region.

Initially, the farmers were producing around 10,000 kilograms of shrimp monthly. However, by June 2022, the production increased to an impressive 70,000 kilograms. Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, expressed optimism about the industry’s future success.

“We have completed just around 75 percent of the project. So, by the time we would have completed the entire project, to develop all the shrimp farms across the region, I am expecting that annually, we might project like 1.2 million kilograms of brackish water shrimp,” stated the minister.

Since assuming office in August 2020, the administration has prioritized the fisheries sector to ensure the livelihoods of fisherfolk are sustained. In addition to shrimp production, the government has implemented various strategies to boost the rural economy.

Investments are also being directed towards the aquaculture sector, with the aim of strengthening its position in the marine fishing industry and exploring new opportunities within the growing food sector. As part of these efforts, the Ministry of Agriculture plans to establish 30 to 60 shade houses for the Three-Door Fishermen’s Co-op at Rosignol, West Coast Berbice, to supplement their income.

Minister Mustapha highlighted that the government will soon distribute the GYD 150,000 (approx. USD 720) relief grants, recently announced by the president, to all fisherfolk.