Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has held talks with representatives of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) to discuss developments in Guyana’s poultry industry after the authorities agreed to the temporary importation of approximately 330,000 pounds of chicken per week
During the meeting Mustapha outlined a number of measures being implemented by the government to maintain stability in the poultry market and ensure that consumers continue to have reliable access to chicken at reasonable and stable prices.
He said that the government, in collaboration with stakeholders in the poultry industry, is closely monitoring production, supply and market demand to ensure that any temporary supply gaps are addressed in a timely manner.
A statement issued following the meeting on Monday, said that as part of this approach, arrangements have been put in place to facilitate the temporary importation of approximately 330,000 pounds of chicken per week.
It said that the imports will complement local production and help to maintain adequate supplies on the domestic market while local production continues to strengthen.
Mustapha said that the measure is a ‘temporary and carefully’ managed intervention, designed to safeguard consumers while at the same time protecting and supporting Guyana’s local poultry producers.
The New Guyana Marketing Corporation (New GMC) is facilitating the importation process, with the chicken to be distributed through local distributors and suppliers across the country. Mustapha said that the process will remain subject to monitoring and oversight to ensure that the intervention achieves its intended purpose and that the market remains stable.
He also highlighted government’s commitment to strengthening the poultry industry over the long term, adding that attention is being given to expanding storage and cold-storage capacity within the sector.
Mustapha said increased storage capacity would provide producers with greater flexibility to manage production and market supply. During periods when production is high, poultry could be properly stored and subsequently released onto the market when demand increases, helping to create greater predictability and stability for both producers and consumers.
He said the government’s approach is focused on maintaining a strong, resilient and sustainable poultry industry, while ensuring that consumers have access to an adequate supply of affordable chicken.
Mustapha said that the government will continue to work closely with poultry producers, importers, distributors and other private-sector stakeholders to monitor the market and respond where necessary.
‘The objective is to ensure that there is a reliable supply of chicken for consumers while creating the conditions for our local poultry industry to continue expanding and becoming more resilient,’ Mustapha said.
The statement said that the engagement with the PSC forms part of the government’s ongoing consultations with the private sector as it works to strengthen Guyana’s agricultural value chains, improve market stability and ensure food security.
‘Government remains committed to supporting local production while taking the necessary measures to ensure that consumers are protected and that the poultry industry continues to grow in a stable and sustainable manner,’ the statement added.