Guyana 's revenue is likely to be boosted this year with plans apace to secure export markets in Trinidad and Tobago for chicken and beef.
This is according to Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud who is hopeful that this collaboration will be implemented shortly.
This initiative was made possible after the Agriculture Ministry was able to effectively overcome challenges and implement measures which according to Persaud are on par with international standards for exportation.
In April last, Guyana was confronted with a major poultry problem - the stunted growth phenomenon. This affected several small and medium-sized chicken farmers.
In response the Agriculture Ministry in October last launched a $5M programme which entailed countrywide vaccination, distribution of vitamins, an assessment by a regional poultry specialist and the development of standards for poultry feed production.
Minister Persaud said that thousands of farmers were able to benefit from veterinary supplies and services as a result.
Six veterinarians have since returned from training, Persaud informed, and are were able to impart the knowledge to the sector.
Guyana has since been declared free of the stunted disease problem and according to Minister Persaud vigilant efforts are being made to retain this status.
Additionally, a poultry diagnostic laboratory was inaugurated at the Agriculture Ministry by President Bharrat Jagdeo last year where it is expected that several testing and diagnostic procedures will be undertaken.
Additionally, Minister Persaud disclosed that an Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Prevention Programme was streamlined last year for stakeholders in all regions throughout Guyana . As a result Persaud revealed that a draft Avian Influenza Manual was prepared for distribution to farmers.
Persaud adds too that major focus is currently being placed on a Foot and Mouth disease surveillance programme which is being undertaken in region nine.
That programme was launched by the Ministry in October of last year in collaboration of the Pan American Health Organisation.
According to Persaud it is intended to emphasise the upgrading of camps and construction of drive through dips for vehicle crossings.
Persaud also disclosed that there was 1,980 artificial insemination services rendered in several regions while 709 calves were tagged. It was also revealed that milk quality testing of 667 cattle was conducted during last year.
In this regard several training and extension activities were undertaken and a national cattle farmers' congress was held Persaud said.
And in order to heighten awareness on export of livestock, Persaud said that a beef export seminar was held, followed by a Training Programme for farmers identified as pilot farmers in the beef and dairy industries.
Persaud disclosed too that already quantities of beef are being exported to two CARICOM states and interests are being expressed by several others. He adds however that efforts to finalise arrangements for the exportation of chicken are being intensified.