VISION 2030

Agricultural Research & Extension Institute, Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, Ministry of Agriculture, Georgetown, Guyana

www.narei.org.gy

National Agricultural Research & Extension Institute, Mon Repos, ECD,

Guyana

VISION 2030

D. P. Singh

Institutional Specialist in Agriculture Research/ ITEC Expert

June, 2014

Copyright © National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), 2014. All rights

are reserved. NAREI holds the copyright for this publication. However, it can be shared and

duplicated for noncommercial purposes once NAREI is properly cited. For any clarification,

please contact the CEO of NAREI at, nareiceo@gmail.com

Published by

National Agricultural Research & Extension Institute, Mon Repos,

East Coast Demerara, Ministry of Agriculture, Georgetown, Guyana

Phone +592-2202249, 2200072, Fax: 2204481,

E mail: nareiceo@gmail.com, Web page: www.narei.org.gy

Preface

Agriculture is the backbone of economy of Guyana. About 33% of population gets employment

in agriculture today and its contribution of agriculture in GDP is 20% mainly from rice and

sugarcane. Therefore, efficiency of agriculture has to be increased through enhanced growth in

agriculture and allied sectors. The slowdown in the production of other commodities except rice

has been a cause of concern in recent years and is a cause of concern.

National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) has served the country by

developing appropriate technologies through strategic and applied research leading to increase in

production of certain commodities, crop diversification and export of produce and products. It

has also served as national repository of crop germplasm, library and training on newer crop

production and protection technologies besides production of planting material.

The institute has taken initiatives to meet the challenges that Guyana agriculture is facing

presently and also those likely to be faced in future. The Vision 2030 has been prepared keeping

in view of recent developments in international agriculture, trade and future challenges such as

climate change, soil and water quality, pest management which are expected to affect the

cropping systems in Guyana. This document provides a framework for visualizing new priorities,

new programme formulation, adoption of participatory mode of action, and creating of elasticity

in organizational set up for effectively addressing the challenges and tapping the opportunities

for all, in order to achieve an ever self-sufficiency in food production. Necessary changes may be

made time and space to make is more relevant to future challenges. This document offer a

framework for visualizing new priorities, developing new programmes, adopting participatory

mode of action, and making organizational adjustments addressing the challenges effectively and

tapping the opportunities before us for ensuring food, nutritional and livelihood security.

The information received from different programmes of NAREI in preparation of the document

is thankfully acknowledged.

D. P. Singh

Institutional specialist in Agriculture Research

Contents

______________________________________________________________________________

Preface

1. Agriculture scenario 1-2

2. NAREI-The institute and mandate 3

3. NAREI 2030 and beyond: Vision, mission and focus 4

4. Harnessing science- A perspective 5-10

5. Strategy and framework 10-12

6. Epilogue 13

References 14

1. Agricultural Scenario

The food demand is expected to be doubled by 2050 on global basis, while production

environment and natural resources are deteriorating and shrinking. Inadequate attention to

agriculture has led to steep rise in food prices, resulted food riots thus pushed an estimated 100

million more people into poverty. More than 800 million are suffering from hunger in the world.

Majority of these are living in rural areas, thus dependent on agriculture. The climate change and

use of agricultural land for urbanization, industrialization and for producing bio-fuel further

aggravated the situation. Frequent floods, prolonged droughts are also attributed to climate

change. During World Food Summit 2008, the heads of the governments had reaffirmed the

commitment to address challenges of high food prices, climate change and bio-energy. Role of

agricultural research, policy support and institutional innovations were mentioned for meeting

the future demand of food and elimination of hunger. During the recent global food crisis in

2008, Guyanese agriculture performed better than several of the developing countries, mainly

owing to timely policy intervention, yet the agriculture sector needs special attention and support

to address numerous inherited and future challenges. Agriculture in Guyana is unfolding to a

new era of crop diversification, agro processing and surplus production targets while meeting the

domestic needs of food with affordable prices.

The latest population census (2012) indicated a flat growth of population in Guyana over last one

decade and currently the figures are 747,884 and urban population is 26.4%. The majority

(666,261) inhabits in coastal areas whereas the hinterland are representing two third of land is the

home of only 81,623 people (10.9% of population). Agriculture is the backbone of economy and

33% of population gets employment in agriculture today. Agriculture contributes up to 20% in

GDP and main commodities are rice and sugarcane. Therefore, efficiency of agriculture has to be

increased through enhanced growth in agriculture and allied sectors. The slowdown in the

production of other commodities except rice has been a cause of concern in recent years and is a

cause of concern. The production as well as exports of most of the nontraditional crops is

showing upward trends which is due to systematic research efforts, policy support and

developmental programmesof government at production and marketing levels. There is a need to

explore and promote the non-traditional crops for diversification for sustainability of cropping

system and combating the effects of global fluctuation in business and climate change on

agriculture production in Guyana.

In spite of surplus production in rice, sugar, coconuts, subtropical vegetables and fruits, the

import bill of food items like wheat and flour, chickpea, split pea, edible oils, potatoes, onion and

garlic and temperate vegetables remained quite high in Guyana thus needs to be looked carefully

and research should be focused in the testing of adaptable varieties and production of these

commodities locally to reduce imports. The food habits may be diversified by adding millets,

processed cassava and maize flour by developing and testing varieties of these crops suitable to

grow in Guyana.

Guyana has strategic advantages of suitable land availability for growing crops, suitable and

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sufficient water resources, proper sunshine, weather as well as policy support of government to

become a regional leader in agricultural production and export of surplus, in the CARICOM

region. Besides, traditional commodities (rice and sugar) country is at the verge of becoming

prominent figure as a tropical fruit and vegetable producer in the region. In recent years, there

has been more developments related to free-market, liberalization of trade, and an open

investment climate in the region, thus opening new opportunities to produce and process more

locally.

The cultivation of fruits in Guyana remained unorganized and through small holders of land. The

promising and potent fruits remained pineapple, banana, grapefruit, citrus, cherry, avocado,

carambola, passion fruit and mango. These have been a source of regular income and nutrition

especially for women and children. The processing units for juices, jams, jellies, concentrates,

pickles and other value added products may reduce the post harvest losses, add value to the

produce and use surplus production for local and export purposes. Unlike fresh produce, these

products may not face trade barriers for export.

Like fruits, the vegetable sector also remains unorganized in Guyana although it is dynamic and

vibrant, generating regular income and employment both in urban and rural areas. Clusters were

developed under the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP). The major vegetables grown are tomato, bora, eggplant, ochro, hot pepper, pumpkin, squash, pak-choy and other minor

vegetables. Other commodities that are produced include plantains and ground provisions.

During 2011, about 10,700 tons of fresh fruits, vegetables and processed foods were exported

from Guyana to Caribbean region and other countries. The increase in export is due to the

collective outcome of research and policy support of government to farmers. The „Jagdeo

initiatives‟ in agriculture call for greater role and cooperation of Guyana with other Caribbean

countries in curving the high food bill (US$4 billions) and generating more food locally in the

region. There are number of opportunities in agriculture research and development where

Guyana may play a role or torch bearer in the region and few technologies have demonstrated

promise in recent years.

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2. NAREI-The institute and mandate

National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) is designated as “The Premier

Research and Extension Organization” and is responsible for spearheading agricultural research

and extension activities for productivity enhancement and diversification of the non- traditional

crops sector (fruits and vegetables), bio fuel development as well as for plant quarantine services.

The Institute is actively engaged in adaptive research that focuses on improving crop production/

productivity for enhanced food security and rural development. Emphasis is placed on crop

diversification from high volume- low income to low volume- high income crops such as spices

and other cash crops, new vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, red cabbage and sweet pepper), IPM

approach to managing biotic stresses, procurement and evaluation of exotic germplasm of

cereals, food legumes, minor millets, root and tuber crops, vegetables and fruits, cassava

revitalization, and technology dissemination through use of information technology tools. The

promotion of Climate Smart Agricultural Practices inclusive of protected agricultural systems for

year round vegetable production, hydroponics and drip irrigation is also given prominence.

NAREI‟s Strategic Plan (2013- 2020) envisions the Institute as being the major facilitator for a

prosperous, food secure and environmentally sustainable Guyana. This will be achieved through

enhancing agricultural productivity and quality of produce through generation and dissemination of newer and efficient technologies and services reduced import of agri produce and products,

reduced malnutrition and environmental degradation and enhanced exports taking into

consideration the changing global and business environments.

National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI) was established on the 6th October, 1984. It was

given responsibility to increase productivity in agriculture, which can support crops and

livestock and sustain those production efforts and agro based industries most appropriate to the

ecological and economic attributes of the eco-zone. It was also aimed to development the

technologies for production and maximization of returns in agriculture. During December 2010

with new Act of Parliament the mandate of NARI was redefined with detachment of livestock

section and adding of extension and plant quarantine services. The name was also changed to

National Agricultural Research and extension institute (NAREI). It is situated at Mon Repos in

East Coast of Demerara on Agriculture road, about 25 km away from capital city, Georgetown.

The administrative and technical head of NAREI is CEO which is assisted by two deputies and

one assistant CEO, heads of programmes. It has bodies like board of directors, management

committee, research, extension and plant protection and quarantine advisory committees. It has

research, extension and plant quarantine scientists and technical staff besides administrative

staff. The extension in coastal regions and hinterland is looked by two separate coordinators. It

has research farms, laboratories at its HQ and nurseries at regional levels.

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3. NAREI beyond 2030

The growth in agriculture in Guyana during past 100 years is closely related with the adoption of

new technology generated through research and policies of government. The institute has

generated crop production technologies for different crops, tested new crops and varieties, made

soil maps, evolved IPM and quarantine techniques, generated tissue culture and horticulture

seedlings, seeds of new varieties, protected agriculture models, irrigation methods and above all

served as a national centre for conservation of plant genetic resources. Its regional presence has

served the farmers in meeting the demands of plantlets of horticultural and vegetable crops as

well as meeting the challenges of diseases and insect pests as well as other factors affecting

agriculture. The institute is able to train a number of stakeholders in newer technologies in

agriculture. The institute will continue to play a lead role in meeting the future challenges and

safeguarding the food, nutritional and livelihood security of the country in all crops other than

rice and sugarcane.

Vision

To ensure food security, prosperity and livelihoods of all, using technological innovations in

agriculture

Mission

To improve people‟s livelihoods nationally from the provision of relevant and appropriate

technologies, improved production and productivity to enhance food security and export

capacities.

Focus

Meeting production demands of crops, vegetables and fruits through adopting new high

yielding varieties including hybrid seeds with assured hybrid seed production machinery

Enhancing crop diversification with high value low volume crops and use of resource conservation technologies for sustainable agriculture

Use of coordinated, interdisciplinary, eco regional approach of knowledge generation and its dissemination to stakeholders.

Assessment of vulnerability, mitigation and adaptation strategies to tackle the challenges of climate change on nontraditional crops

Development of globally competitive human resources and training facilities to

stakeholders

Better synergies between research and outreach programmes and fostering of public- private partnership for developing favourable environment for promoting agriculture

through favourable policies, regulatory environment and linkages between processing and

marketing.

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4. Harnessing science: A Perspective

NAREI has successfully integrated basic and strategic research with applied research in

agriculture. the core strengths remained in the fields of propagation of plants of promising

horticultural crops, testing of new crops and varieties, seed production, demonstration of

protected agriculture, soil mapping, conservation of germplasm of field and horticultural crops,

biofuel and mangrove research besides training of stakeholders, bio security measures and

quarantine services. It would strive to harness power of science for enhancing productivity,

quality of food commodities, input use efficiency, reducing cost and post-harvest losses, through

conventional techniques as well as new science and tools. The role of NAREI is even more

important presently and in near future keeping in view of growing interest on nontraditional

crops in Guyana and new challenges being faced due to emerging pests and climate challenge.

Higher thrust would be on developing new plant varieties with higher yields, better quality and

inbuilt resistance to major biotic and abiotic stresses along with reliable seed production and

sully chain. The mechanisms will be evolved for accelerating innovations through institutional

and policy support. The institute will attempt to understand and realize diverse interests of

different stakeholders in the food-supply chains. The science is changing rapidly with the

emergence of new tools, methods, techniques and approaches thus assisting to accomplish the

mission.The availability of new varieties will be given backup support of new production

technology with emphasis on conservation agriculture practices and efficient water, nutrient and

weed management practices.

Agriculture and economy

The real economic growth was registered at 3.9 percent for June 2013; contributed to by all

major sectors in Guyana. The agriculture sector recorded exceptional performance (4.2%) in the

rice and forestry industries, while sugar and fishing reported declines during first half of 2013.

The labour force is mainly used in rice and sugarcane farming therefore research and

development focus needs to be reoriented in a way to develop and promote new technologies on

nontraditional crops that raise agricultural income and ensure employment opportunities in the

agri-supply chain.

Climate change and agriculture: Climate change is a global challenge and therefore needs

global response. It is estimated that by 2020 there may be 1-3 0C rise in temperature which may

reduce yields of crops up to 10%. The other effects may be erratic weather pattern (rainfall and

temperature), prolonged dry season and change in pest dynamics which may also affects crop

production. The Guyanese agriculture is mainly rain fed and depends on conserved water. The

high water requirements in rice and sugarcane may pose problems of irrigation to non tradition

crops in future. It therefore calls for a long term adaptation and mitigation strategy for

agriculture. It may be possible through strengthening research on adaptation, capacity building,

policy change and greater regional and global cooperation to develop heat and drought tolerant

varieties, change in land and water use and management practices, risk management, efficient

water uses, and carbon sequestration.

Agricultural diversification

The demand for high-value commodities is rising with increase in per capita income, growing

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urbanization and globalization. To meet the demand of these commodities, research focus would

be to develop more efficient and competitive technology of production. The new improved

genotypes (varieties and hybrids) will be developed along with management practices for raising

productivity of these commodities in different agro-eco-regions, consumer-preferred quality

traits and food safety. The research and development focus will be on the entire value-chain from

production and postharvest to value-addition, processing and marketing in case of perishable

commodities. The agricultural diversification will be achieved by enhancing shelf-life and

improving demand-driven commodity traits (colour, shape, size, and flavor) of perishable

commodities through different post-harvest approaches in partnership mode.

Plant genetic-resource enhancement

In past much of the gains in the productivity of the food commodities have been attributed to the

genetic alterations of the crops in many countries. The enrichment and conservation of plant

genetic resources is of paramount importance for long term sustainability of crop production in

Guyana. This will be the primary driver for augmenting productivity in the shortest possible

time, space and cost. NAREI possesses a considerable number of genetic resources of crops and

microbes. The sustainable use of available genetic resources through characterization, genetic

enhancement and pre breeding will be done. The use of biotechnology will be made in the

breeding processes and to reduce investments on research for increasing yields, minimizing

production risks, sustaining environment and meeting consumer taste and preferences. The

introduction of new IPR regime is making procure of exotic germplasm difficult globally and

often require practicing stringent norms and high cost and require payment of royalty to owners.

Diversity in germplasm is a key for successful crop improvement. Emphasis will be placed on

safeguarding of plant genetic resources. In this regard, CGIAR institutes may be important

source of genetic stocks and varieties that improve quality and yield for crops, and demonstrate

resilience to climate change. A long term storage facility „national gene bank‟ is the immediate

need in Guyana in this direction.

Use of hybrid technology for faster pace of productivity increase: The use of hybrid

technology for exploitation of heterosis will be followed in case of field and vegetable crops for

enhancing the pace of productivity. The hybrid technology will be standardized and seed

production will be popularized through private public partnership. The shuttle breeding approach

will be followed to look for elastic varieties to tackle problems of climate change. The regional

approach may be followed to crop improvement to identify new varieties of crops in pulses,

oilseeds, root and tubers and vegetable crops. An affordable model for production of seed

through public-public and public- private partnership mode will be developed to meet the

demand of seed of improved varieties of crops.

Targeted breeding to meet the needs of specific agro ecological zone: The targeted breeding

programme in field and horticultural crops will be undertaken through inter institutional linkages

in the country, region and globally to meet the specific demand of each region for feeding local

population according to its taste and traditions, enhanced crop diversification and higher income

generation.

Breeding fruit crops: The fruits crops plays important role in food and nutrition security as well

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as assured income generation to rural and urban population in Guyana. The efforts will be made

to improve the varieties of fruit crops for higher productivity and income. The desired root stocks

will be worked out for improving the grafting and vigour of fruit trees. The efficient and

scientific orchard production technologies of different fruit trees will be evolved.

Natural resource management

Agriculture is highly dependent on the natural resources. Guyanese agriculture is mainly rain fed

with huge future potential provided natural resources like soil and water are scientifically and

efficiently managed. The proper integration of conservation agriculture, zero tillage, precision

agriculture and micro-irrigation is needed for different agro eco- regions. Likewise, perfection

and integration of efficient farming systems, composite farming, integrated crop management,

integrated nutrient management, integrated pest management, and integrated water management

would be done with various public-sector supported programmes for holistic development. Due

importance will be given for enhanced participation of stakeholders and increased agro

ecological literacy in managing natural resources. Next generation precision agriculture with

software and sensors would benefit in production efficiency. Improved long-range weather

prediction technology is needed to take advantage of precision operations for crops and resource

applications as well as for better understanding of global warming and climate change, and their

drivers. The adoption of various irrigation technologies such as drip irrigation, sprinkler and

micro-sprinkler systems, greenhouses, mechanized cultivation and harvesting methods, market

information and entry development, post-harvest technology and agro-processing, climate-smart

agriculture will help to expand production of nontraditional crops.

Water management has been identified in the Jagdeo Initiative as one of the key constraints for

development of agriculture in CARICOM. In Guyana agriculture is done in a significant way on

land below sea level which contributes to vulnerability to climate change thus demands proper

water management systems. Climate change is bringing short term drought-like situations that

may result from frequent El Niño conditions as well as frequent flood risks from La Niña

conditions. This is further aggravated due to sluggish river drainage. Drainage into rivers and

into the ocean is also impeded by intense and rapid sedimentation of river mouths and ocean

outfalls. Water use efficiency will, therefore, be a critical issue in future also in agriculture. Due

to heavy pouring and problem of water stagnation, it is often difficult to do agricultural

operations in nontraditional crops unlike rice. Early sowing and field operations during pre-rainy

seasons (drier months) coupled with irrigation facilities may be prime importance in coastal

regions in Guyana.

Management of bio-risk

The bio-risk is becoming a cause of concern with climate change and owing to trans-boundary

insect-pests and diseases. It is resulting high cost, reduction in food production and reduced farm

income. Efforts would therefore be made to develop the effective and integrated risk-and-disaster

management production systems and institutional mechanisms. The adoption of intelligent

systems such as early warning, drought indicators, migratory movement of bio-risk agents, etc.

would be developed for taking timely decision at regional and national levels.

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Post-harvest and value-addition

Markets for value-added and processed commodities are on rise in Guyana with increasing

demands by consumers of these products especially in case of spices and fruits. However, it has

to be competitive with low-cost improved technologies to unleash potential and improve market

efficiency. New opportunities have emerged with the opening of the trade across CARICOM

region, therefore, issues related to sanitary and phyto-sanitary measures are important and need

to be addressed appropriately. All three component of strategy are needed to reduce post-harvest

losses. These are compressed supply chain with process link between producers and markets;

facilitation of processing of food commodities in production catchments and development of

small-scale processing refrigerated chambers or cold storages with the appropriate use of

conventional and non-conventional sources. Increased focus is needed to primary and secondary

levels of value-addition and processing.

Agro energy and agricultural waste: Growing energy demand is a serious concern for

agriculture sector and also for food security in Guyana. An efficient management of energy is the

key research and development challenge in carrying out various operations in agriculture. The

present state of high dependence of agriculture on oil and non-renewable sources of energy may

make it less profitable and risky in near future. Therefore new sources of renewable energy need

to be explored. The fuel efficient farm machinery to Guyanese farmers and improves efficiency

of agricultural operations may be developed and promoted. The research to develop bio-fuels and

ethanol from sugarcane and other crops is required without compromising on food security and

by effectively utilizing available agriwaste (crop residues).

Agri business and private sector participation: The role of private sector in different stages of

food production, processing and marketing needs to be strengthened in Guyana keeping in view

of unorganized producers, lack of marketing, high cost of transportation and high postharvest

losses. The proper procurement, processing and sale of commodities by private supply chains

will benefit both producers and consumers and minimize the postharvest losses and also increase

export figure. The chicken and animal feed sectors which are presently dependent on imported

ingredients of feed are good having prospects to boost agriculture production in Guyana. There

is a need for greater linkages between producers, wholesalers, processors, logistics and retailers

and field seems to be lucrative to investors and may be encouraged in Guyana. The use of

information technology plays a crucial role in these linkages. The infrastructure in terms of

transport (road, brides etc) may open new fields for commercial farming in Savannahs in Guyana

besides coastal areas.

Synergies of frontier sciences

The developments in frontier sciences like nano-technology, information and communication

technology and remote sensing; and techniques like Geographic Information System (GIS) and

Global Positioning System (GPS) will be monitored and integrated in future agricultural research

for improving research efficiency, proper targeting of technologies and to identify production

and marketing environments. The advancements in biotechnology, nanotechnology, information

technology and geo-spatial technology will provide significant new opportunities for

productivity enhancement in crops. These challenges may be tackled through capacity-building

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and human resource development. The organizational policy and guidelines will be modified to

harness opportunities of these inventions by integrating modern and conventional research

approaches.

Infrastructure to promote crop production in newer areas: The coastal agriculture is well connected with access roads, dams, bridges, and support structures

such as laboratories, information systems, market etc. The savannahs are good for large-scale

cultivation crops like corn and soybean besides rice and sugarcane. Major focus will be placed

on roads and dams to facilitate agriculture production and transportation of produce conveniently

and economically to the main market

Institution and policies

The factors like growing smallholdings, increasing uncertainties, globalization and emerging

private sector in agribusiness call for reformulating policies, developing institutional

mechanisms, decision-making processes, mobilizing political support and improving governance

of service providers in the value-chain. The emergence of the intellectual property rights regime

challenge needs to be converted into an opportunity. These issues require accelerating the

research and link farmers with different stakeholders to harness growing opportunities. The

innovative institutional models, pro-agricultural policies and regulatory mechanisms would be

evolved.

Human-resource development

Trained and qualified human resource is a pre-requisite for implementing and upgrading research

programmes, generating technologies, evolving institutional arrangements to tackle challenges

and reap the benefits of opportunities. The human resources have to global standards and

competitiveness in agri-business and in technology development. Existing pool of talented

human resource and infrastructure would be utilized to evolve globally competitive innovation

agricultural university by the involvement of all the national institutes, bilateral and international

agencies. The institute will find out linkages and collaboration for up gradation of qualifications

and skills of the scientists and technical staff members to meet the future challenges related to

research, extension and development as well as issues like IPS/ SPS/ PVR/PBR etc. The number

of position needs to be increased in research, extension and plant quarantine to meet the

requirements in these spheres at national and regional basis in Guyana. The stakeholders will be

provided relevant trainings by master trainers. The institute will collaborate with university of

Guyana and other countries to provide support for conduct of research and thesis work in key

identified areas.

Newer technology transfer systems

The continuous development of newer and better technologies is required to meet the new

challenges in agriculture. Their effective delivery mechanism would greatly help in bridging

wide gap between the potential and the realized productivity. The far-reaching, participatory

information and new technology of communication would be evolved through print and

electronic delivery systems. Additionally, showcasing research products for linking research

accomplishments with the stakeholders will be practiced.

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Building capacity for Agro- fuels or bio-fuels: Guyana will be a meaningful player in the bio-

fuel revolution in CARICOM in near future. The sugar cane may support potentially 50M gals of

ethanol per year whereas oil palm can support production of diesel in Guyana. Currently, country

depends totally on importation of fuel amounting 35% of GDP and this making energy quite

costly. The bio-fuel production in as certain per cent of fossil as substitute will add to the low-

carbon emission potential of Guyana.

5. Strategy and framework

To accomplish the vision and mission, the institute will focus on following strategic areas:

1. Improving productivity and quality of field, vegetables and horticultural crops for

ensuring food, nutritional and livelihood security of Guyana.

2. Strengthening research for crop improvement, germplasm conservation, tissue culture,

finger printing of indigenous varieties, pest management and efficient use of resources.

3. Enhancing crop production through conservation, efficient management and sustainable

use of natural resources.

4. Enhancing resilience of Guyanese agriculture to climate change through improved

technologies and effective policies. 5. Proper postharvest management practices and value addition of crop produce for better

profitability and minimizing losses.

6. To ensure bio security and sound management of plant health to prevent losses in yield

and quality as well as for export promotion.

7. Enhancing the institutional reach to accelerate the transfer of technologies generated at

NAREI through functional linkages with R&D institutions, government departments and

other stakeholders.

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Annexure I. Strategic frame work

Goal Approach Performance measure

Enhancing

productivity and

quality of field and

horticulture crops for

assured food and

nutritional security

-Introduction and testing of new crops

and improved germplasm/advanced

lines in Guyana

-Identification of high yielding, better

quality varieties possessing tolerance to

abiotic and biotic factors

-Development of climate resilient

varieties

High yielding, better

quality, taste and shelve

life varieties developed in

different crops

Crop production

enhancement through

proper resource

management

-Strategic conservation of natural

resources through conservation and

climate smart agriculture

--Integration of use of available

technologies for efficient resource

management

-Precision agriculture, enhanced

mechanization, protected cultivation and

aeroponics

Improved water and

nutrient use efficiency

Improved availability of

resources in nature

Technologies for improved

quality and profitability

Enhancing resilience

of cropping systems to

climate change

Newer technologies for mitigation of

green house gases emission and

promoting carbon sequestration

Improved technologies for

climate change adaptation

and management of green

house gases mitigation

Post harvest

management and value

addition to crop

commodities for

higher profit

-Technologies for post harvest

processing, value addition and storage

of agro-horticulture commodities

including seeds of improved varieties

complying with food safety and seed

standards

-Technologies for improved post harvest

handing of perishable commodities

Technologies evolved for

processing, value addition

and storage.

Reduced post harvest

losses and cheaper prices

Biosecurity,

international trade

issues and plant health

management

-Fingerprinting and improved diagnosis

of agriculturally important pests

-Novel technologies for pest

management

-Dynamics of insect pests management

under changing climate and

international trade

Technological options for

efficient management of

biotic stresses of crops

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Development of globally competitive

human resources and

skill up gradation of

stakeholders

-Collaboration with national and international institutes for developing

competitive human resources

-Regular skill up gradation, competence

and qualifications of research and

extension staff in frontier areas of their

work

-Capacity development of master

trainers, entrepreneurs and farmers

Enhanced competitive and qualified human resources

to take up research and

development in agriculture

Increased institutional

reach

-Functional linkages with government

organizations, departments and other

stakeholders

-Innovative models, methods and ways

including ICT for effective transfer of

technologies, commercialization and

management of intellectual properties

-Market led extension services

-Policy options for enhancing the impact

of research

Enhanced linkages

Improved technology

dissemination

Increased profitability

Improved livelihood

Strengthening of basic

and strategic research

-Genomics: Structural and functional

-Finger printing of local varieties and

germplasm

-Biocontrol laboratory

-Biochemical laboratory

-Use of novel molecules and

nanotechnology in agriculture

Cutting edge technologies

developed for application

in agriculture

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6. Epilogue

NAREI will bring a demand-driven and technology-led revolution in the Guyana to meet

challenges of the future demand for food, improving livelihood opportunities of farmers, and for

ensuring sustainable farming and agricultural growth. The innovations in agriculture would

transform agriculture sector into a vibrant and competitive sector by harnessing untapped

opportunities in domestic and global markets. The agricultural research and development will

increase farmers‟ income, enhance employment opportunities, conserve natural resources, curve

imports, facilitate exports and add value which will end to higher and inclusive agricultural

growth. Sincere efforts would be made to transform the NAREI as more responsive institute to

the needs of the farming community in general and smallholders and resource poor farmers in

specific. The NAREI will focus more on the commodities and the areas lacking support of

private sector. The monitoring of changes occurring at the national and international level will be

done and institute will develop strategies to respond to the change for the benefit of the

stakeholders. The participatory approach will be adopted for becoming vigilant and introducing

institutional processes that develop a culture of responsibility, accountability and integrity in

science.

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References

IARI. 2011. Vision 2030. IARI, New Delhi. Pp. 36.

ICAR.2011. Vision 2030. ICAR, New Delhi. Pp. 24.

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