Skeldon revival on the horizon with multi-crop options, juice plant investment

President Ali speaks during the public meeting

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Wednesday outlined plans to revive Skeldon’s role in agriculture through diversification, investment, and scientific land management, while keeping sugar on the table.

Meeting cane and rice farmers in Corentyne, the president said partnerships with Dominican Republic experts, soil testing, and digital mapping would guide large-scale crop choices.

“In the coming days, and when I say days, I mean days, less than a week. All the soil samples will be taken from the land and a full lab analysis will be done,” Ali said, adding that the results would be shared online for transparency.

The head of state disclosed that Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) was willing to build a juice plant in Skeldon within 8–12 months if citrus production is expanded.

“DDL said to me that they are willing to invest in a full juice plant here in Skeldon once we agreed that we’re going to plant the citrus and other foods,” he told farmers.

Two proposals for rebuilding the Skeldon sugar factory are also under review, but Ali cautioned that long-term pricing mechanisms would be essential to secure investor confidence.

Beyond sugar and citrus, the government is eyeing large-scale cultivation of coconuts, coffee, cocoa, and dragon fruit, crops that have already shown promise in Region Two. Ali stressed that Skeldon’s revival would take a “multi-prong approach” to ensure viability.

Farmers welcomed the plans, which signal the clearest path yet towards Skeldon’s long-awaited agricultural diversification.