President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has announced a sweeping set of agricultural initiatives aimed at revolutionizing Region Three’s farming sector, positioning the region as a powerhouse in Guyana’s drive for food security and economic growth.
During an engagement with farmers and fisherfolk at the National Track and Field Facility in Leonora, President Ali outlined a five-year strategy that promises to unlock tens of thousands of acres of farmland, overhaul rural infrastructure, and directly empower local producers.
“We are going to set aside $50 billion in the initial phase to transform all farm-to-market access dams into all-weather, hard surface roads,†President Ali declared, emphasizing that the nation’s food strategy must be tailored to each region’s unique strengths and challenges.
The government’s plan includes a comprehensive audit and upgrade of all farm access roads in Region Three. By converting these often-impassable dams into modern, all-weather roads, approximately 75,000 acres of previously underutilized land will be brought into productive use. This move is expected to rapidly expand the region’s agricultural output and create new opportunities for thousands of farmers.
But improved access is just the beginning. Recognizing the high capital costs associated with developing new lands, the government will establish specialized agricultural districts within the region. Each district will be equipped with government-assigned machinery and resources to help farmers overcome barriers to expansion and maximize productivity.
Two major infrastructure projects—the Schoonard to Parika road and the Del Conte-Sand Hills Road link—are set to further open up hundreds of thousands of acres for agriculture, sand mining, and tourism. The Del Conte Road, in particular, will provide vital access for communities such as Bonasika, Aliki, and Lanabali, transforming the economic prospects for thousands of rural residents.
President Ali also announced that national drainage and irrigation infrastructure will receive significant investment. The Hope Canal, a critical flood-mitigation system, is earmarked for expansion into Region Three, with the design phase already completed and procurement underway. This project aims to safeguard farmlands from flooding and ensure reliable water supply, especially in areas like B-line in Canals Polder.
“These initiatives are not just about infrastructure. They are about a clearly defined vision for the future of agriculture in Guyana—one that is inclusive, sustainable, and driven by the needs and ideas of our farmers,†President Ali said, highlighting the extensive consultations held with stakeholders across the country.
The initiatives in Region Three are part of a broader national strategy to modernize Guyana’s agricultural sector, attract youth and women to farming, and boost the country’s role as a regional leader in food production. By investing in infrastructure, technology, and direct support for farmers, the government aims to create a resilient, competitive, and prosperous agricultural industry for generations to come.
As Guyana continues to chart its course as a food-secure nation, President Ali’s bold vision for Region Three stands as a testament to the transformative power of targeted investment and community-driven development.
