More than 100 farmers across Rupununi to benefit from locally produced poultry

Some livestock farmers in the Rupununi (Photo: RLPA)

The Rupununi Livestock Producers Association recently commissioned the first producer-owned hatchery in Lethem, with over 100 farmers and over 70 producers set to benefit.

The Rupununi Livestock Producers Association (RLPA) was formed in the early 1970s by a group of ranchers in the Rupununi region to help support and sustain the livestock industry. It represents ranchers, village herds and small holders alike.

Rebecca Faria Chairwoman for the RLPA Some livestock farmers in the Rupununi (Photo: RLPA)

Rebecca Faria, Chairwoman of the Rupununi Livestock Developers Association (RLPA) says this hatchery is a milestone achievement for farmers and producers in the region.

“We have a breeding unit which compliments the hatchery. The hatchery we commissioned was basically one of the first in the Rupununi by a producers’ association that will be doing the local creole chicks as well as broilers.”

This hatchery Lethem will now provide Rupununi producers with a consistent supply of vaccinated chicks at a lower cost and will benefit the over 100 farmers in the Rupununi as well as the growing number of producers in the region.

There are currently at least 70 producers operating across Rewa, Yakarinta, Aishalton, Karaudarnau, Shulinab, Katoonarib, Sawariwau, Rupunau, and Surama; but Faria expects this number will grow with the acquisition of this hatchery.

She further emphasised that this will build the Rupununi livestock sector by enhancing opportunities for youths in the Association’s recently launched Student Internship in agriculture/livestock practices.

Flora Gomes a member of RLPA who rear chicken to supply eggs on a small scale to her family and community Some livestock farmers in the Rupununi (Photo: RLPA)

She says this hatchery also enhances the “Local meat you just can’t beat” campaign to encourage consumption of locally produced meat and eggs, discouraging the purchase of imported meats as an alternative to wild meat and fish.

“We are hoping to have a mobile hub where we take the products to the farmers in the various villages and ranches so you wouldn’t have them having to travel to Lethem to get the products. We’ll be having one and later we hope to expand with more to be able to supply.”

The hatchery was established through the Greater Guyana Initiative (ExxonMobil Guyana, Hess Corporation, CNOOC).