Guyana’s agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector is estimated to have grown by 11.5 per cent in 2025, according to Minister of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, who on Monday presented the 2026 National Budget to the National Assembly.
Dr Singh reported that growth was recorded across all major sub-sectors, including other crops, livestock, rice, sugar, forestry, and fishing, reflecting broad-based expansion within the sector.
The sugar subsector is estimated to have expanded by 26.5 per cent in 2025, with the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) recording production of 59,600 tonnes. However, Dr Singh noted that production was negatively affected by heavy rainfall, which disrupted harvesting and field operations. Additional challenges included labour shortages, low employee turnout, and machinery issues at several estates.
Rice sector delivers strong output
Despite softer global rice prices, milling bottlenecks, and cash flow challenges, the rice subsector recorded another year of strong performance. The sector is estimated to have grown by 15.7 per cent in 2025, with the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) reporting production of 810,299 tonnes.
According to Dr Singh, favourable field conditions supported consistent yields of 6.6 tonnes per hectare, in line with 2024 levels. Farmers also benefited from fertiliser support, paddy subsidies, and ongoing efforts to introduce higher-yielding rice varieties.
The other crops subsector is estimated to have expanded by 11.1 per cent in 2025, with growth recorded across all major crop categories. Production of root crops, vegetables, spices, and fruits increased by 18 per cent, 5.8 per cent, 11.2 per cent, and 5.1 percent, respectively.
Production of beans and cereals also rose during the year, with soyabean output increasing by 72.1 per cent and corn production by 10.3 per cent.
Livestock industry shows broad-based growth
Dr Singh reported that the livestock industry grew by an estimated 12.5 per cent in 2025. Growth was recorded across most subcategories, including poultry, beef, pork, and egg production, which increased by 11.5 per cent, 11.7 per cent, 6 per cent, and 12.4 per cent, respectively.
The expansion in poultry production was supported by increased egg importation following a reduction in the prevalence of bird flu, as well as a significant decline in viral disease affecting the industry.
Mixed performance in the fishing industry
The fishing industry recorded an estimated growth of 6.5 per cent in 2025. Expansion in marine fish production and aquaculture outweighed declines in the marine shrimp subsector.
Marine fish production increased by 16.7 per cent, while aquaculture output expanded by 52 per cent. In contrast, marine shrimp production declined by 42 per cent, due to lower catch rates and a reduction in the active industrial fleet.
Forestry sector sees modest growth
The forestry subsector is estimated to have grown by 2.7 per cent in 2025, with improved production recorded across all timber categories. Output of logs, sawnwood, roundwood, splitwood, and fuelwood increased by 2 per cent, 4.8 per cent, 1.2 per cent, 69.7 percent, and 22.8 percent, respectively.
Total timber production amounted to 495,226 cubic metres in 2025.