Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, has pointed to significant markups by middlemen as one of the factors contributing to high prices at markets across Guyana.

He said the government is moving to ramp up the production of fruits and vegetables to make food more affordable.

Mustapha made the remarks during an open day at the Albion Sports Complex in Region Six, where he discussed efforts to address the cost of food and strengthen the supply of locally produced agricultural commodities.

The minister said the government remains concerned about the prices consumers are paying, noting that vendors and other intermediaries are sometimes adding substantial markups to the prices at which they purchase produce from farmers.

“…it's almost 50% or 100% markup that the vendors or the people who are selling in the market are adding on to the prices. The point I want to make is that the middleman is putting a heavy markup on these prices,” Mustapha said.

He pointed to the farmers' markets established in different parts of the country as an avenue through which farmers can sell directly to consumers at more reasonable prices.

“When you go to the farmers' market, and we have it right around the country, different parts of the country, we are seeing the price that the farmers are receiving are good for them, and what the consumers are paying are good for them. So both is a win-win situation,” he explained.

Mustapha said the government intends to maintain and strengthen these markets while encouraging a reduction in food prices. At the same time, efforts are being made to increase local production to improve supply and bring down prices nationally.

Meanwhile, the minister indicated that similar open day engagements and outreach activities will be extended to other locations, aiming for all coastal regions by year end.

The planned outreach forms part of the ministry's continued engagement with agricultural stakeholders and communities, as efforts continue to strengthen local production, improve market access for farmers and address the cost of food for consumers.