Sugar production in Guyana dropped by about 21% in 2024, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha announced on Monday, expressing disappointment over the results.
The minister warned that major changes in management will take place in 2025 if the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) does not improve production next year.
GuySuCo had initially estimated sugar production would be between 60,000 and 70,000 tons by the end of the year. The Agriculture Minister had hoped for as much as 100,000 tons. However, the final figures show production at just over 47,000 tons, falling short by more than 21%.
Minister Mustapha admitted that the government anticipated lower production levels early in the year. During the first crop, GuySuCo produced only 7,000 tons of sugar compared to the projected 16,000 tons.
Slow sugarcane growth and poor weather were considered reasons for the shortfall.
While discussing progress in rice and other crops, the minister initially avoided providing sugar production statistics. He shared the figures only when directly asked by reporters.
Reiterating earlier remarks made by President Irfaan Ali, the minister emphasized that management changes will occur in the New Year if targets are not met.
“In the coming year, we are planning to make some changes in management at GuySuCo. Some managers might be transferred, and others may be replaced,” he said.
He stressed that the government is unhappy with GuySuCo’s performance and is prepared to take firm action.
According to Minister Mustapha, this is the only way to bring down costs with increased production. “We expect GuySuCo to lower its costs and meet targets. That is why we have brought in experts from India and Cuba to assist,” he explained.
GuySuCo had assured the government that it would speed up the mechanization of its operations so that it would improve its efficiency and production. So far, 40 per cent of the land has already been upgraded in this regard.
Previously, at the beginning of this year, GuySuCo received $6 billion and subsequently a release of further funding; however, its operations continue to underperform.
