1,000 acres of land to expand red beans, black eyed peas production

The government will allocate resources to operationalise 1,000 acres of land before the end of 2025 to support the expansion of red beans and black-eyed peas production in the Berbice River.

This was announced by President Dr Irfaan Ali, during an engagement with farmers and residents of Kimbia Village and surrounding Berbice River communities on Saturday.

Currently, 77 farmers from Ebini, Kimbia, and other areas are cultivating 663 acres of red beans. At least 8,000 acres of cultivation are required to meet national demand in the initial phase, according to the president.

The president pointed out that each acre of land is expected to yield approximately 1,600 pounds of red beans.

With 1,000 acres to be cultivated, the nation will produce an additional 1.6 million pounds of red beans and black-eyed peas annually, the Department of Public Information reported.

The president described this as a true transformation, moving from zero production in these savannahs to an industry that produces millions of pounds of food annually.

“This is adding more income to your community, your pocket, and disposable income. There are also additional farmers here who requested more land, which will total 803 acres. We are expanding it to 1,000 acres to ensure we don’t miss anyone,” he said.

Residents and farmers were informed about the government’s agricultural interventions, which aim to position Guyana as a major food producer, with support from farmers. (Modified from DPI)