GEORGETOWN, Guyana, May 11, CMC- Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha says the arrival of 89 pregnant heifers is a major step in Guyana’s efforts to reduce dependence on imported dairy products.
The heifers, part of a US$30 million investment by Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), form the first batch for the company’s dairy project and Mustapha said the initiative aligns with the government’s food security agenda and reflects a vision long advocated at the national level.
“And I hope that other private sector organisations follow suit because what we are doing now in Guyana, …as a policy of the government, we want to boost both dairy and beef production.
While DDL is doing that. Very shortly, we will be importing approximately 1,000 pregnant heifers for both dairy and beef to develop our beef industry,” Mustapha said, adding “so, this is a good step forward, this is a call that was answered by the private sector, a call that was made by the President (Irfaan Ali).
“I am glad. This will help Guyana boost food exports and food production because we are now building that food hub at Yarrowkabra, and this will help us tremendously,” Mustapha said, noting that the investment will also support Guyana and the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) “25 by 2025” food security initiative, which aims to reduce the region’s food import bill.
“I will also be visiting this site again in the near future because I have been in constant contact with DDL. Even our officers from the GLDA accompanied DDL when they went to inspect these animals in the U.S. So, this is a good thing for us,” he said.
The company said the animals were transported under strict supervision and are now being acclimatised at a modern facility equipped with climate-control systems to ensure maximum comfort and productivity.
Specialists from the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), along with DDL officials, oversaw the operation to ensure compliance with animal welfare and safety standards.
DDL executive chairman Komal Samaroo said the investment signals a transformative moment for the agriculture sector.
“We are not just building a farm; we are building a sustainable industry that will transform Guyana’s agribusiness sector and provide long-term food security for the region,” he said.
CMC/ght/ir/2026