A locally-made pepper jelly has become the first product developed under the Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme (AIEP), a government-backed initiative driven by young people to curb the national food import bill.
The condiment, produced by youth involved in the AIEP, was launched Monday at the Massy Mega Store, MovieTowne, Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara. The programme was initiated by President Dr. Irfaan Ali to foster innovation and economic opportunity in the agriculture sector.
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, who attended the launch, described AIEP as a model for the region.
More than 300 young people are shareholders in the programme.
“Today’s launch is not just a launch of a pepper jelly, but it’s a launch, and I want to commend the young people… the Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme.”
Aimed at reducing imports and encouraging local agri-business, the AIEP engages youth in high-value crop production and sustainable farming practices. Mustapha pointed to a shift in perception about agriculture among younger generations.
“When we can get young people’s interest into agriculture, that tells us a story. It will be a game changer for us, because gone are the days when young people see agriculture as a menial job… as an activity for people who do not have any proper academic background.”
With support from the government, many young agri-entrepreneurs have taken up modern techniques such as hydroponic farming and shade houses to grow crops like cauliflower and carrots, which are typically imported.
“Today we are seeing the right set of people going into the agriculture sector to support those farmers who were there from the inception; people who have passed through tertiary institutions, the Guyana School of Agriculture, the University of Guyana, people who were doing clerical work before, they are now involved in agriculture,” Mustapha said.
Massy Stores, a key distribution partner, has committed to selling the pepper jelly at its five local branches and aims to distribute other AIEP products regionally. Assistant Vice President Shalini Thakur-Jagdeo praised the programme.
“By featuring products from the AIEP, we’re (Massy) is not only offering customers high quality, home grown food, we are helping to build a stronger, more food secure Guyana. This initiative is about more than products on the shelves. It’s about empowering young agri-entrepreneurs, promoting climate-smart farming, and contributing to the national goal of reducing the country’s food import bill by 25 per cent by 2030,” she said.
