Guyana exploring poultry markets in Trinidad, Suriname

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To ensure that the livestock sector remains viable to supply its growing demands, Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud met with representatives of the Guyana Poultry Producers Association, on Monday, January10th, to discuss agriculture development plans for 2011. 

The plan will see the Agriculture Ministry and the poultry association collaborating to monitor production in order to ensure that there is adequate supply of chicken on the market. Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Livestock Development Authority, Dr Dindyal Permaul, was also in attendance.  

For the first time in many years, there is adequate supply of poultry on the market. However, the association has complained about the non-vaccination of baby chicks, which has resulted in the stunted growth of the birds. Minister Persaud disclosed that government is currently exploring the possibility of purchasing baby chicks from Trinidad and Suriname, which would allow local producers to grow chicks for the external markets. The minister urged farmers to be more proactive. 

The association welcomed this initiative, while assuring the agriculture minister of supplying the local market, since this would enable them to be more financially secure. In July 2009, according to the association, there were high asking prices for baby chicks from the hatcheries; however, given the current glut on the market, sales are expected to decrease. The association has made a request for an independent body to be formed to investigate the issue of non-vaccination of broiler chicks. 

Meanwhile, Persaud said that as the demand for rice increases — due to the shortfall on the world market — requests have been made for Guyana to supply other countries apart from Venezuela. However, he has made request for exports to be reduced so as to supply the local demand.

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