Agriculture Minister, Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha, today challenged students of Queen’s College to think beyond traditional agricultural production and embrace the opportunities presented through innovation, value addition and entrepreneurship, as he delivered remarks at the opening of the school’s Value-Added Expo.
Addressing the students, teachers and other attendees, Minister Mustapha underscored the importance of developing a new generation of innovators and entrepreneurs who can contribute meaningfully to Guyana’s economic transformation.
He noted that while Guyana has traditionally been recognised for its production and export of raw agricultural commodities, the country must continue moving towards a model that places greater emphasis on processing, packaging, branding and marketing locally produced goods.
The Minister explained that for too long, developing countries have exported raw materials while much of the economic value associated with those products has been generated elsewhere.
He stressed that changing this approach is essential to ensuring that Guyana maximises the economic benefits of its agricultural resources, creates employment opportunities and generates greater income for producers, entrepreneurs and communities.
He further explained that value addition represents much more than transforming raw agricultural commodities into finished products.
It creates opportunities for business development, encourages innovation, strengthens local industries and allows producers to capture a greater share of the value generated along the agricultural supply chain.
Against this backdrop, Minister Mustapha commended the students for their creativity and initiative, encouraging them to view the products displayed at the exhibition not merely as school projects, but as potential business ventures capable of contributing to Guyana’s growing economy.
Reflecting on the importance of innovation and determination, the Minister reminded the students that many successful businesses around the world began with simple ideas that were subsequently developed into commercially viable products.
He encouraged them to remain confident in their abilities, continue refining their ideas and recognise the opportunities available through entrepreneurship.
The Queen’s College Value-Added Expo provided an opportunity for students to showcase their creativity and demonstrate how innovative thinking and product development can contribute to the creation of new businesses and industries.
The initiative also reflects the growing importance of exposing young people to the commercial potential of agriculture and encouraging them to become active participants in Guyana’s ongoing economic transformation.
