More than 500 farmers benefit as Guyana’s black belly sheep stock climbs to over 3,000

The government continues to strengthen its livestock sector through the expansion of the Black Belly Sheep Programme, which has significantly increased local production and reduced reliance on imports.

Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha, in an interview on Monday with the Department of Public Information (DPI), said the programme has been a success since its introduction.

According to the minister, Guyana initially received 1000 Black Belly sheep from Barbados and has since expanded the national herd to just over 3000 animals.

He explained that the initiative is now focusing on cross-breeding the local sheep.

The Minister noted that more than 500 farmers across the country have already benefited from the programme through the distribution of breeding rams and other support, enabling them to establish and expand their own flocks.

He said the livestock development agenda aims to reduce dependency on imports while boosting local production.

“The Black Belly Sheep programme has been a success. We have received from Barbados 1000 Black Belly sheep and today we have just over 3000 in the system. Over 500 farmers have benefited and have started their own flocks,” the Minister said.

He further highlighted ongoing interventions in the livestock sector, including artificial insemination, embryo transfer, and the upcoming importation of 1000 pregnant heifers to strengthen both beef and dairy production.

“The government is intensifying its livestock development efforts through artificial insemination and embryo transfer. For the first time in our history, we are undertaking embryo transfer to improve productivity, and we will soon import 1000 pregnant heifers to boost beef and dairy production,” he added.

Minister Mustapha also pointed to growing private sector involvement, including a major dairy investment by Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) in partnership with an Israeli company, as well as the establishment of a pasteurised meat plant by local farmers in Region Five.

He said these developments, combined with government interventions, are expected to significantly transform Guyana’s livestock industry and increase national food production capacity. [DPI]