This year, $743.7m will be spent to develop the fisheries sector which has been plagued by low catches and other challenges, Minister of Finance Dr Ashni Singh said yesterday during the presentation of the 2022 budget.
This year’s budget also caters for the introduction of the marine cage fishing which will enhance the production of prawns and tilapia.
Singh stated that during the course of this year, government will be moving to invest $230m for the second phase of the brackish-water shrimp production initiative.
“Both phases are expected to raise aquaculture production by over 300 percent moving brackish-water shrimp production to 500,000 kg per annum,” he highlighted. Government is aiming to achieve the production target by 2025.
Last year having spoken to fisherfolk on the Corentyne in Region 6, the Ministry of Agriculture embarked on a project aimed at doubling the production of brackish water shrimp.
The Fisheries Department, with assistance from the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), has begun the construction of 74 ponds for the rearing of brackish water shrimp under the initiative.
The project, Singh told the House, provided the opportunity for the rehabilitation of 23 shrimp farms in Region 6, resulting in higher shrimp production in this category in 2021 when compared to 2020.
Moreover, Singh told the National Assembly that government will continue to improve the supportive infrastructure for the fisheries industry.
“In 2022, the greenhouse at the Satyadeow Sawh Aquaculture Station will be upgraded for the promotion of aquaponics, as a climate smart option for food production. Research will be also undertaken in indigenous high-value species and the use of local low-cost feed ingredients into aquafeed development,” Singh disclosed.
Additionally, Singh said a sum of $200m will be expended to introduce and develop this new style of fishing. The initiative, he said, will provide an important alternative production modality for Guyana’s fisherfolk. During the recent launch of an Agricul-ture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme (AIEP), President Irfaan Ali pointed to the introduction of marine cage fishing.
“We are not sitting back. We have a responsibility to find solutions and that is what we are doing. We are working every single day on finding innovative solutions,” he said.
