Minister Mustapha attends GLDA Ruminant Expo in Region Five

As part of the 2025 Agriculture Month activities, Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha, on Sunday attended the Guyana Livestock Development Authority’s (GLDA) Ruminant Expo, held at the Rising Sun Turf Club in Region Five.

The event brought together livestock farmers, producers, chefs, and other stakeholders to showcase developments in the ruminant industry and celebrate local talent.

While the event was informal, Minister Mustapha delivered brief remarks during his visit, highlighting the importance of ruminant production to Guyana’s agriculture sector. He noted that ruminant farming is part of the DNA of Guyanese farmers and emphasized that Agriculture Month 2025 should be viewed as a celebration of the industry’s growth and the achievements of those working within it.

The Expo featured 16 competitive categories ranging from livestock exhibitions to cooking contests, with one participant set to be crowned the Grand Champion. The event served as a platform to highlight improvements in livestock breeding and management, while also providing an opportunity for communities to showcase culinary creativity and traditional skills.

In his remarks, Minister Mustapha also provided updates on several key government initiatives aimed at supporting and expanding the ruminant industry. He referenced the importation and distribution of Black Belly sheep as part of a wider effort to enhance meat-type breeding in collaboration with private farmers. The government, he added, is also investing in pasture development and strengthening extension services to better support farmers on the ground.