Region Two set to replicate Region Six’s 1,365% production surge as government pushes aquaculture expansion
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Wednesday officially launched the brackish-water shrimp project on the Essequibo Coast, marking what the government described as another significant step in its drive to diversify and expand Guyana’s agriculture sector.
Addressing farmers and stakeholders at the launch, Minister Mustapha said the decision to introduce the project in Region Two follows the substantial successes already recorded in Region Six, which he held up as a model for what the Essequibo Coast can achieve.
“In Region Six, the brackish-water shrimp farming project has grown into one of the most remarkable achievements in our agriculture sector,” the Minister said. He noted that over $600 million has been invested in the industry in that region, yielding a production of 1,557,000 kilograms of shrimp in 2025 alone. Monthly output has grown from just under 10,000 kilograms in 2021 to approximately 145,000 kilograms in 2026, representing an increase of 1,365%. “This is the kind of transformation we envision for Region Two,” he added.
Under the regional project, four five-acre plots will be established and equipped with internal channels to regulate water flow, along with inlet and outlet systems designed to ensure efficient water exchange. The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) will provide support for excavation and infrastructure development, while the Fisheries Department will offer technical assistance to farmers.
Minister Mustapha also outlined the revenue potential for participating farmers. A single five-acre pond is projected to produce approximately 1,000 kilograms of shrimp per harvest cycle, which lasts between six and eight weeks. Two ponds managed by eight farmers could yield around 2,000 kilograms, or approximately 4,400 pounds, per cycle. At a market price of $1,000 per pound, that translates to roughly $4.4 million in revenue per cycle.
To ensure timely execution, two excavators will be assigned to the project. The Minister noted that once preparatory works begin, individual plots can be developed within approximately two months.
Beyond the shrimp initiative, Minister Mustapha also announced the expansion of President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s Poultry Project to Region Two. The initiative will see the establishment of a modern tunnel house for the rearing of meat birds. Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Madanlall Ramraj, who attended the launch, will work alongside regional officials to organise young people from the region to manage the facility, with technical support to be provided by the Guyana Livestock Development Authority under the Ministry of Agriculture.
