Guyana is self-sufficient in poultry production and is seeking to further expand the sector through investment in breeding facilities, local feed production and biosecurity measures as demand rises with economic growth, the Ministry of Agriculture said on Friday.
The ministry made the disclosure in written responses to questions from Opposition Member of Parliament Terrence Campbell during a parliamentary sitting.
It said domestic producers are meeting local demand despite rising consumption driven by economic expansion, although limited imports of certain poultry parts are permitted.
“Guyana is currently self-sufficient and able to meet local demand. However, the expanded extractive and hospitality sectors have increased demand for additional chicken parts, for which limited imports are allowed,” the ministry said.
To support the sector, the government has maintained zero-rated taxes on poultry inputs and allocated about G$60 million for vaccines to protect flocks from disease, it said. The ministry also pointed to biosecurity training, extension services and climate-resilience measures, including temperature-controlled broiler pens and an expanded breeder programme.
Seven broiler breeder facilities are expected to become operational within 16 months, with capacity for 70,000 breeders, the ministry said, adding that the initiative is aimed at reducing reliance on imported hatching eggs. Poultry production is targeted to exceed 100,000 metric tonnes by 2030.
The ministry also addressed import restrictions introduced following regional avian influenza outbreaks, saying the ban was a biosecurity measure and that no exemptions or import licences have been granted to date, though controlled imports may be considered based on risk assessments and supply needs.
