Prez Ali launches Black Belly Sheep Project in Guyana to enhance local market

Berbice, Guyana: President Dr. Irfaan Ali launched the Black Belly Sheep Project at the Mahaica-Mahaicony-Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA-ADA) in West Berbice on Sunday, March 27, 2022. 

The Head of State was at the Mahaica-Mahaicony-Abary Agriculture Development Authority (MMA-ADA) in West Berbice for the launch of the Black Belly Sheep Project.

The office of the President has provided the information. While releasing a press release, it writes the project’s significance, aims, and main focus. 

It stated that the initiative would help in the growth of Guyana’s local market and uplift it in the CARICOM market. 

The initiative will enhance the production of mutton for the local market with an emphasis on getting into the CARICOM market and, in time, the international market.

It further stated that to kickstart the project, 1000 breeding black belly sheep will arrive from Barbados within two weeks to enhance the local stock.

As per the reports, Some 80 farmers have already signed up to benefit from the project, with others expressing interest.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, and several Region Five leaders have accompanied President Ali at the launch of the project. 

However, Dr. Irfaan Ali took some time this afternoon to address the concerns of farmers from Region Five.

While meeting with the President of Guyana, the farmers have relayed issues facing their land and animals, and the President was able to offer solutions.

The initiative will also help to enhance the production of mutton in Guyana for local consumption and export.

While addressing the launch event, President Ali noted, “Region Five must be the livestock capital of CARICOM, and that’s why launches Black Belly Sheep Project at MMA-ADA.” 

Dr. Irfaan Ali today further announced that his Government‘s vision is to make Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) the livestock capital of CARICOM as Guyana continues to lead agricultural development and food security at the Regional level.

To achieve this, the Head of State pointed to the need to increase production, quality, technology, and infrastructure.

He gave assurance that the process had begun while launching the Black Belly Sheep Project at the Mahaica-Mahaicony-Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA-ADA) in Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice.