President Dr. Irfaan Ali announced that seven Indian experts from the sugar industry will be integrated into the management of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to aid in the further mechanization and transformation of the sector.
Additionally, 12 Cuban experts are already in Guyana assisting with the revitalization efforts, as stated by the President in a live update on his Facebook page from the Kingston Seawall in Georgetown.
As per media report, President Ali highlighted that the industry had contracted by 60% in the first half of the year due to several factors, including drought.
He pointed out that when the PPP returned to power in 2020, significant reinvestment was necessary to revitalize the sugar industry. This included rebuilding factories, clearing cane lands that had become overgrown due to neglect, restoring dams, drainage, and irrigation canals, and rehiring thousands of workers.
Ali’s administration is focused on restoring the industry after it suffered from neglect and the harsh closures of some factories during the 2015-2020 term of the former APNU+AFC government.
With ongoing efforts, including increased mechanization in cane harvesting (now at 43%) and the planting of new cane lands, the President expressed optimism for a significant recovery in the industry in the latter half of this year and into the first crop of next year.
Nice decision by Guyana Government for excellent progress of sugar industry and farmers and other people. Congratulations. I have visited Guyana to study Sugar cane aspects as a team member for Kay Bouvet sugar company in 2014. I suggest that sugar industry from Guyana is the key after oil sector for more job creations and overall progress. Sugar sectors are the keys for progress in Agricultural and other aspects. Now,technology is more advanced and in sugar cane and sugar sectors,too. Integration of farming with other aspects considering economical, most practical,gender equality, health,education,etc. needs to be consider,seriously. The research in sugar cane aspects is appreciated ,because I have visited all the area and laboratories in 2014. High scope for very much result oriented work in sugar and Agri. aspects. Best Wishes. Thanks to Chini Mandi for publication of news and will help. Dr. PATIL A.S. India.