Mohin Nand Persaud recognised for outstanding contributions to agriculture and business

Persaud (second from right) was bestowed an honorary doctorate by the University of Guyana

The University of Guyana (UG) on Saturday awarded an honorary doctorate to businessman Mohin Nand Persaud during its 25th Convocation Ceremony at the Berbice Campus, recognising his contributions to the country’s agricultural and business sectors.

The recognition marked a proud moment for the Nand Persaud Group of Companies and for Guyana’s agricultural community, which has long benefited from Persaud’s leadership, innovation, and generosity.

Persaud, a resident of Berbice, is widely respected for his impact on rice production, agricultural development, and modern business practices. He has played a key role in national initiatives focused on food security and agricultural technology. Under his stewardship, the Nand Persaud Group established pioneering facilities such as soil-testing laboratories that help farmers improve rice yields.

Beyond business, Persaud is known for the lives he touches as much as the deals he makes. “Whether it’s donating land for schools, supporting youth programmes, or helping farmers innovate, he moves quietly but purposefully,” UG said in a statement. Even at major national events like the country’s top horse races, his presence reflects a man who believes success is best when it lifts others along the way.

During the ceremony, UG praised Persaud as a “distinguished business leader and innovator” whose contributions have strengthened both the agricultural sector and the national economy. The university’s citation highlighted his belief in teamwork and lifelong dedication to helping others.

Speaking with Ignite News, Dr. Mahindra Persaud, Executive Chairman of the Nand Persaud Group of Companies, reflected on the values that guide their work.

“For me personally, I am standing here confident that the way we build a company, the way we build ourselves, we build them with a strong structure,” he said. “That structure… I don’t believe it’s easy or impossible to disappear. And having done so many things in and around Guyana, even in the Caribbean, led me today to receive an Honourable Doctor Award,” he added.

Despite the new title, Dr. Persaud emphasised that accolades were never his motivation.

“My goal has never been working towards awards… They come naturally. My goal was about how to help one to build them entrepreneur because I know how I build mine. So I like to work along with a large group of individuals so that the entrepreneur can be built. And I do it in many ways… hundreds, maybe thousands. So that is a continuation. It’s not going to stop. It’s my way of life,” he said.

Persaud remains an approachable, hardworking leader. For him, the real joy comes from seeing others thrive, whether it’s a young farmer achieving a record harvest or an aspiring entrepreneur realising their dream. “It’s that ripple of impact… that makes all the effort worthwhile, and it’s what will keep him going for years to come,” UG said.