Ali renews commitment to modernise sugar industry

The Guyanese government has reaffirmed its dedication to transforming the nation's sugar industry through modernization, mechanization, and strategic investments. President Irfaan Ali emphasized the commitment to ensuring the sector's long-term sustainability.

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I am not pleased with the failure of the corporation to consistently achieve the production target. I have made this position abundantly clear. I have demanded greater accountability. I have demanded greater efficiency. I have demanded better results.

Speaking at the 78th commemoration of the Enmore Martyrs, President Ali stated the government's resolve to preserve the industry while implementing reforms to boost productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness. He acknowledged the Guyana Sugar Corporation's (GuySuCo) struggles to meet production targets, stressing the necessity of changes to maximize returns and secure the industry's future. "I have demanded greater accountability. I have demanded greater efficiency. I have demanded better results," Ali declared.

GuySuCo is actively pursuing an aggressive mechanization program to combat labor shortages and modernize operations. Approximately 44% of the corporation's lands have already been converted for mechanical harvesting, addressing the critical shortage of manual labor. "Mechanisation is no longer optional. It is necessary," Ali asserted, noting that many sugar workers are hesitant for their children to engage in cane cutting.

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We know there is an acute shortage of labour. We know that many sugar workers do not want their children to engage in the task of cane cutting. That is why mechanisation is no longer optional. It is necessary.

Innovations such as drone technology for crop surveillance and fertilizer application are being integrated to enhance industry-wide efficiency. The government is also modernizing factories and focusing on greater value-added sugar production. President Ali highlighted the sugar industry's vital role in rural communities, extending its impact beyond estates and workers to support an entire ecosystem.

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The responsibility for reviving the sugar industry does not rest with management alone. It rests with all of us because sugar does not only support sugar workers. Sugar supports the entire community, the markets, the stores. It supports an entire ecosystem.

To strengthen the industry, the government is exploring various options, including investments, advanced technologies, and new production approaches. The goal is to optimize production, reduce costs, and identify new growth areas. President Ali reiterated the government's commitment to supporting sugar workers and ensuring the industry remains a key contributor to national development. He also announced plans for a 50-acre industrial hub at Enmore to create jobs and foster entrepreneurship.

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The modernisation of the sugar industry is necessary for its survival, resilience and sustainability.