Two thousand bags of onions cultivated in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) are being transported to Georgetown, according to Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo, who shared the update on social media on Thursday. The onions were grown in the Rupununi by a private farmer with support from the Agriculture Ministry. According to the post made by the VP, the shipment reflects increased agricultural output in the region and forms part of efforts to expand local food production. The development follows earlier updates from President Dr Irfaan Ali, who highlighted progress in onion cultivation in Region Nine. On March 23, the President reported the first pre-harvest from a five-acre onion pilot project in Manari, Rupununi. The initiative is being carried out through a partnership between the Agriculture Ministry and farmer Christopher Moses.
According to the President, the project is expected to produce approximately 70 tonnes per hectare, with the first full harvest beginning in the second week of April. On April 5, he also noted the successful trial cultivation of onions in the region.
In January, this publication had reported that the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) partnered with farmer Christopher Moses to cultivate five acres of onions in Lethem. Initial estimates suggested the acreage could yield about 250,000 pounds of onions, surpassing earlier projections for Regions Nine and Eight. The onion project is part of a national strategy aimed at strengthening food security and reducing reliance on imports. Government has identified Region Nine and other hinterland areas as key contributors to expanding both traditional and non-traditional crops. Production targets outlined by the Agriculture Ministry include citrus, carrots, peanuts and onions, along with livestock outputs. These targets are supported by coordination with the Guyana Marketing Corporation to improve market access and distribution. The administration has also linked agricultural expansion to infrastructure development. Investments in transport networks, including upgrades to airstrips and airport facilities in the hinterland, are intended to improve the movement of goods and support farmers’ access to markets.
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