Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, on Tuesday, commissioned Guyana’s first Composting Unit and Acoushi Ant Bait Production Facility.

The two facilities, strategically located within the compound of the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) at Mon Repos, represent a total investment of over $67.7 million.

While offering remarks at the event, Minister Mustapha stated that the government is committed to transforming Guyana into a dynamic agri-food powerhouse rooted in innovation, inclusivity, and resilience.

Several initiatives are being pursued to expand agricultural research and genetic innovation, aiming to develop high-yielding and resilient crop varieties that will increase crop production.

Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, Vikash Ramkissoon, said that the commissioning of the two facilities highlights the strides being made in research in Guyana’s agriculture sector, reflecting a combination of innovation, sustainability, and practicality of initiatives that can transform our farmers’ livelihoods.

The vermicomposting process utilizes Eisenia fetida (commonly known as red wigglers) to biologically convert organic waste, including crop residues and livestock manure, into a nutrient-rich, microbially active soil amendment.

The final product enhances soil nutrient absorption, structure, nutrient cycling, and water retention, while reducing reliance on synthetic fertilisers.

In addition to vermicomposting, this facility also incorporates thermophilic composting, where heat-loving bacteria decompose organic materials such as crop residues and livestock manure, excluding fats and carcasses, under elevated temperatures.

Since the introduction of this initiative, production of vermicompost has grown significantly, increasing from 2,000 kilograms per year to 10,000 kilograms per year, and for thermophilic compost, from 5,000 kilograms per year to 15,000 kilograms per year.

As it relates to the Acoushi Ant Bait Production facility, it was developed to assist farmers who, for years, have been affected by Acoushi Ants. The facility operates on a semi-automated system that mixes pellets and dries the bait in one continuous process, allowing production to continue throughout the rainy season.

It has the capacity to produce an average of 30,000 packets of bait annually, compared to previous efforts that yielded approximately 10,000 to 15,000 packets annually. The bait is made from locally sourced ingredients and consistently formulated with the right balance of chemical inputs to effectively target Acoushi colonies.