A new brackish-water shrimp farming initiative has been launched in Region Two, aimed at diversifying agricultural production and providing farmers with an additional income stream alongside traditional rice cultivation.
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha officially introduced the programme at the Anna Regina Town Council on the Essequibo Coast, describing it as part of a broader strategy to strengthen rural livelihoods and expand aquaculture.
The initiative builds on similar projects in Region Six, where shrimp farming has expanded from small-scale subsistence activity into a growing commercial industry with official support. Mustapha said output there has risen sharply in recent years, from about 10,000 kilograms per month to approximately 140,000 kilograms.
Following discussions in 2025 with the President and Vice President, the ministry intensified support for shrimp cultivation, Mustapha said, adding that Region Two had now been identified for expansion due to suitable environmental conditions.
The programme is designed to complement, rather than replace, rice farming. Shrimp will be raised in brackish-water ponds, allowing farmers to use existing land resources more efficiently.
The initiative also highlights relatively low start-up costs. Shrimp larvae occur naturally in coastal waters, reducing the need for farmers to purchase seed stock.
According to ministry estimates, a five-acre plot could produce around 1,000 kilograms of shrimp every six weeks.
The Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Madanlall Ramraj, who oversees the region, said technical assessments in areas such as Cozier had shown favourable soil and pH conditions for shrimp farming.
He encouraged farmers to form co-operatives and identify suitable land within two months, noting that support would include assistance with pond construction and access to machinery.
Preliminary testing by technical teams from Region Six reportedly confirmed the viability of the initiative.
Local farmers expressed cautious optimism about the programme. “I think this is good; at least we can diversify and the support will be helping us,” said farmer Roopnarine Lakeram.
