Guyana’s emerging corn and soya bean industries could generate approximately US$40 million annually as production expands, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha said on Friday.

Speaking at the national World Food Day observance at Lake Mainstay, Region Two, Mustapha identified the crops as part of efforts to reduce the country’s reliance on imported food and agricultural commodities.

He said Guyana had depended on imports of corn and soya beans but was now developing local production, with the aim of moving towards self-sufficiency.

Mustapha said investment in agriculture was particularly important as climate change, rising production costs and uncertainty in international markets put pressure on food systems.

Ensuring access to safe, affordable and nutritious food requires sustained investment, innovation and partnerships, he added.

Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture Vikash Ramkissoon highlighted opportunities for women and young people in the sector and reiterated Guyana’s commitment to the Caribbean Community’s food import reduction target.

At the community level, Mainstay/Whyaka Toshao Marsha Williams said agriculture remained an important source of livelihoods, with farmers supplying pineapples and other produce to markets.

The observance, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, included agricultural exhibitions, farmers’ competitions and cooking demonstrations.

Women’s contributions to food production were also recognised during the event, held under the theme “Innovate Today. Nourish Tomorrow.”