Govt moves to curb mass importation of fruits produced locally – Agri Minister

In an effort to bring more benefits to local farmers, the Guyana Government has taken a decision to curb the large-scale importation of fruits that are already being produced in the country.

This is according to Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, who explained to Inews on Wednesday that this position is not a ban but a move to ensure that Guyanese farmers get value and markets for their produce.

“I have asked the NPPO (National Plant Protection Organisation) not to issue permits to import fruits in large quantities that we are producing in Guyana, because it will affect the local farmers in terms of market,” the agriculture minister indicated.

The NPPO, an agency within the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), is responsible for issuing the mandatory import permits and phytosanitary clearance required to bring fresh fruits and regulated plant products into Guyana.

According to Mustapha, this restriction is not applicable to exotic fruits that are not produced in the country.

His remarks came on the heels of the launch of Agriculture Month 2026 on Wednesday. Commencing today, the month-long observance is being held under the theme “Innovate, Nourish, Grow: Building a Strong and Sustainable Guyana.”

Regular farmers’ markets

The packed calendar of activities includes farmers’ markets, the inaugural Farmers’ Conference, the Annual Honey Fest, World Food Day activities and several other events showcasing the achievements and continued development of the sector.

Coinciding with the observance is the introduction of regular farmers’ markets as a means of improving the connection between producers and consumers while also ensuring citizens get access to affordable items directly from the source amidst rising market prices.

The first edition of this regular market model was held at the Sophia Exhibition Centre, Greater Georgetown, on Wednesday.

Speaking at Wednesday’s Agriculture Month launch, Mustapha said the initiative will become a regular feature during and beyond Agriculture Month.

“And I want to say that based on instruction from His Excellency [President Irfaan Ali] and the PPP/Civic Manifesto, the Ministry of Agriculture will launch its first Farmers’ Regular Weekly Market at Sophia every Wednesday. You are invited to go there, and you will have very cheap produce. And we will have a farmers’ market right across the country every month in various regions. So, this will be a regular feature,” the Minister noted.