Guyana’s Golden Journey in Agriculture

Corn and soyabean production has been proven to be vital crops in advancing agriculture worldwide. These crops are in high demand for both domestic consumption and export and can provide economic benefits for farmers and the country as a whole. Corn and soyabeans are staple foods for many people in Guyana and are also used as feed for livestock. Additionally, the country's relatively warm climate and fertile soils make it well-suited for growing these crops and can be grown on a large scale and as such can increase production efficiency and reduce costs. Furthermore, exporting these crops to other countries can generate significant revenue for the country.

For Tacama Gold Inc. (TGI) the opportunity to be involved in this revolutionary chapter of Guyana’s history is one that they could not miss. Soyabean production is still relatively new to Guyana, especially among some of the members of this consortium. Back in 2022, Bounty Farm Limited had a testing phase of soyabean production at Dubulay Ranch at Ebini in the Berbice River. After many trials and errors, it was realized that Guyana has all the perfect conditions to make this project a success. This consortium at the time was made up of six Guyanese companies and one from Brazil. At present, there are Bounty Farm Limited, Edun Farms, Alfam Enterprise, and Royal Chicken Inc. still forging ahead to ensure that production expands and aids Guyana in moving to a stage of self-sufficiency in both corn and soyabean. Director of TGI, Mr. David Fernandes revealed that the first question the group always receives is why gold? “We always get asked the question why we are talking about gold if we are in the agriculture sector and my answer always remains the same, this is the only gold that is sustainable. The other gold we know does not feed anyone and it disappears over time. Both crops also turn gold before harvested”, he mentioned.

Tacama is located in the intermediate savannahs of Guyana and presents an opportunity, especially for development in the agriculture sector. The climate and soil conditions ensure successful yields of crops and even diversified production. The President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali presented an opportunity to the group to develop these crops to advance the Government’s thrust on agriculture as well as forging ahead to achieve Vision 25 by 2025 at the Caribbean level.

Though production of these crops started in 2022, the group is still in the stages of cost recovery on a 600 million Guyana dollar investment outside of the Government’s intervention. The Government has supported the initiative making the land readily available for lease to TGI as well as improving the access road to Tacama. As part of a commitment in this year’s national budget, the area will also see a wharf and storage facility being constructed at the Tacama waterfront to further support and boost the production of corn and soyabean.?

The consortium is supported by the technical team, Caswero which has also made an investment into this project. As the conversation continued with David, he revealed that the Tacama area was chosen because of its close proximity to the river and sandy soil conditions as well as the forest areas which assist in boosting evaporation and aid precipitation in the area which is very useful for the crops. As part of their commitment to the government it was also to ensure that wildlife corridors were kept and maintained as well as the use of eco-friendly and non-hazardous pesticides and chemicals. The total allocation of land amounts to 28,000 acres, however, only 15,000 will be used for planting. The surrounding lands will be maintained in their natural state as well as other sections for which the soil is not suitable.

Another director of TGI, Mr. Raymond Imam gave insight into the project’s production process. “We are currently planting the 3191 varieties of soyabean which have given us over 2.5 tons per hectare” he stated. The facility has state-of-the-art machinery as well as the most advanced GPS mapping technology which is utilized from planting to harvesting. Limestone is incorporated into the soil to boost production. The waste which emanates from the harvesting stage is transferred to organic material which is again incorporated into the land. He emphasized that the beauty of the entire production is that not much water is needed in the process, so the costs associated with overhead expenses are seasonal since during off periods the staff required is usually low. He alluded to the fact that the wharf being constructed, will tremendously assist in the operation with regard to logistics. When asked about what the future holds for production, he revealed that they are currently testing other varieties of soyabean as well as other crops which once proven successful will be revealed.

Raymond remarked that these crops are being produced to transform the feed sector for poultry and livestock. Once the production continues locally, this will ensure that Guyana’s agriculture sector is transformed. He made mention of the many opportunities which exist within production such as the acquisition of specialised machinery as well as pesticides and chemicals which are currently used in production.

“We are the first company in Guyana to take the leap of faith and explore the production of these crops but we will definitely not be the last” stated David. For Vision 25 by 2025 to become a reality, it must be a collective effort as a country. Many other persons and businesses are welcome to get on board to aid in production. This includes trucking companies for transportation and logistics, equipment and machinery as well as fertilizers. TGI is open to working with other individuals or companies and to giving guidance where needed.

It was a goosebump moment for David when he reflected on being awarded the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana business award through the GMSA back in 2021. He mentioned that he could not fathom why the consortium was receiving the award. In his opinion, they had not done anything remarkable but looking back now, he realizes how much they would have done. They mastered the blueprint and were ready to put into action all they had learned. He further mentioned that this project is more personal to him being an agricultural enthusiast and recognising Guyana’s bounty of rich natural resources and untapped areas. He stated that since this was possible in countries like Belize and Brazil why not take the leap of faith and have it done in Guyana.

David sees the target of Guyana being self-sufficient in soyabeans by 2025 as a reality and if more companies get involved the time can even be shortened. “As a country, agriculture is certainly a gateway to business opportunities and investment” he stated. David sees Linden as being a hub for this production since it is only about 38 kilometers away from Tacama. He notes that the infrastructure already exists but with a push and more additions, Linden can be a model town and a manufacturing aisle for the country. The prices relating to the resale of the company’s value-added products will have to be set at world market prices in order to ensure profits. David added that the consumers will benefit from savings on freight charges.

A major opportunity also exists in downstream manufacturing and the setting up of commercial zones, industrial parks, and cottage industries to complement the now-existing corn and soyabean production. The production of Corn Oil, Soyabean Chunks, Frosted Flakes, and even Biofuel are untapped markets in Guyana that individuals and businesses can capitalize on.

TGI is open to companies partnering with them, however, these companies must bring something of value to the table, whether it be access to finance, transfer of knowledge and expertise, or technology.

Corn and soybean production is important in Guyana since it can provide economic benefits, food security, and food self-sufficiency.

In recent years, Guyana has undergone a golden journey in agriculture, with significant advancements made in both traditional and modern farming techniques. With government support and investment in the sector, farmers have been able to improve crop yields and diversify their produce. This has not only led to increased food security within the country but also opened up new export opportunities, making Guyana a major player in the global agricultural market. This journey is expected to continue as Guyana develops its agricultural sector, thereby positioning itself as a leading producer of high-quality and sustainable food.