Guyana to Build Second Tissue Culture Lab to Boost Agricultural Output

To strengthen its agricultural sector, Guyana is constructing a second tissue culture lab to increase annual plant production to eight million. The facility will use cutting-edge technology to produce disease-resistant crops, supporting national food security and export potential. The initiative is part of the government’s larger push to modernize agriculture through research, innovation, and infrastructure development.

Gov’t Expands Red Beans and Black-Eyed Peas Farming with 1,000 Acres

In a major agricultural push, the Guyanese government is allocating 1,000 additional acres of land in Berbice to expand the production of red beans and black-eyed peas. With 77 farmers already cultivating 663 acres, the goal is to produce an additional 1.6 million pounds annually, boosting both local supply and exports. President Irfaan Ali described this as a transformational step in Guyana’s zero-to-millions agricultural growth strategy. Additionally, a $1.2 billion silo facility is being constructed in Kimbia to store the crops, ensuring sustainable market access for farmers.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprises (SMEs)

1. Agro-Processing & Value-Added Agriculture (Tissue Culture & Local Poultry Vaccine Development)

   • With the government investing in a second tissue culture lab and plans to produce local poultry vaccines, there is an opportunity for small businesses to engage in value-added agriculture.

   • Potential business ideas:

     • Supplying specialized agricultural inputs such as organic fertilizers, disease-resistant plants, and poultry feed.

     • Small-scale nurseries growing high-demand plants using tissue culture techniques.

     • Poultry health services or specialized vaccination delivery.

2. Sustainable Tourism Experiences in Region 10 (Farm & Agritourism)

   • The government is developing 1,000 acres of land for farming in Region 10, with an emphasis on cooperative farming models.

   • Small enterprises can develop eco-tourism and farm tourism experiences, such as:

     • Guided farm tours for local and international visitors, allowing them to experience red bean production and other crops.

     • Farm-to-table restaurants or direct sales of fresh produce to eco-resorts.

     • Specialty food experiences, such as organic farm stays and agri-tourism retreats.

3. Security & Surveillance Technology Services (Linked to Financial Sector Overhaul & Oil Spill Preparedness)

   • The government is implementing a nationwide camera surveillance system, which presents an opportunity for small businesses to provide:

     • Local installation and maintenance services for security cameras.

     • AI-driven security monitoring services for businesses.

     • Retail sales and installation of home surveillance systems for residents and small enterprises.

   • Additionally, oil spill preparedness and environmental monitoring create a niche for drone-based environmental inspection services.

Medium Enterprises (MEs)

1. Food Production & Export (Caricom’s Food Security Push & IBH Vaccine)

   • President Ali highlighted concerns over food security and supply chain disruptions in the Caribbean.

   • Opportunities for medium enterprises:

     • Setting up regional distribution networks for agricultural produce, poultry, and meat.

     • Investing in cold storage and logistics solutions for export markets in CARICOM and Canada.

     • Developing processed food products for export, leveraging government incentives to boost food security.

2. Renewable Energy & Infrastructure Support (Guyana-Suriname Gas & Power Projects)

   • Guyana and Suriname are in discussions on a joint gas infrastructure project, with Brazil’s Northern region being a potential energy market.

   • Medium enterprises can explore:

     • Supplying specialized equipment and materials for gas pipeline development.

     • Providing logistics and engineering support for the expansion of energy networks.

     • Establishing localized renewable energy solutions such as solar-powered storage units for farms and food production facilities.

3. Tech-Enabled Payment Solutions (Financial Sector Overhaul & Cryptocurrency Regulation)

   • VP Jagdeo emphasized a major financial sector modernization, including the potential adoption of cryptocurrency.

   • Opportunities for FinTech businesses:

     • Developing digital payment solutions tailored to small businesses and informal markets.

     • Creating smart contracts and blockchain-based financial services for businesses.

     • Developing AI-driven financial advisory services to assist businesses with digital transactions and regulatory compliance.

Large Enterprises (LEs)

1. Energy & Industrial Processing (Guyana-Suriname Gas Project & Bauxite-Alumina Development)

   • The joint Guyana-Suriname gas project presents significant investment opportunities, particularly in industrial processing.

   • Potential opportunities:

     • Developing an aluminum plant using Guyana and Suriname’s bauxite reserves.

     • Investing in large-scale gas-to-energy facilities for industrial clients.

     • Developing deep-sea ports or logistics hubs for gas exports to Brazil and CARICOM.

2. Oil Spill Response & Environmental Services (Guyana-Suriname Oil & Gas Cooperation)

   • Guyana is expanding its oil spill response capabilities, including lending assistance to Suriname.

   • Large enterprises can invest in specialized environmental management services, such as:

     • Oil spill mitigation and cleanup services in collaboration with ExxonMobil and the government.

     • Training and certification programs for oil spill response personnel.

     • Development of AI-driven ocean monitoring technologies for tracking oil spill movements.

3. Advanced Digital Infrastructure (Financial Overhaul & Smart City Initiatives)

   • The government’s focus on modernizing the financial sector and digital identity systems creates opportunities for large enterprises in:

     • Building smart city infrastructure, including AI-driven facial recognition and urban security networks.

     • Developing nationwide digital identity verification services integrated with banking and government services.

     • Cloud computing and data storage solutions for the expanding digital economy.

Final Thoughts

The key trends driving these opportunities include agriculture expansion, financial modernization, digital transformation, regional energy integration, and environmental sustainability. While small businesses can benefit from localized services and technology solutions, medium and large enterprises have the chance to invest in high-growth sectors such as industrial energy, oil spill response, and advanced digital infrastructure.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Premium Agri-Tourism & Farm Experience Rentals

Why It Works:

• The government is expanding agriculture, including a new 1,000-acre farm project in Region 10.

• Tourism is increasing, with higher demand for unique, immersive experiences.

• High-value travelers from oil & gas, government, and international business sectors are looking for premium, authentic experiences.

How to Do It:

• Rent or partner with local farms to offer weekend experiences such as organic farm stays, fruit-picking, and traditional Guyanese cooking classes.

• Set up a "Harvest Your Own Produce" business, where people can pick fresh vegetables and fruits and buy them directly at premium prices.

• Cater to corporate team-building events and eco-conscious tourists, offering guided experiences that include locally sourced food tastings and farm-to-table experiences.

Income Potential:

• Charge $20 - $50 USD per person for a half-day or full-day experience.

• Offer premium bookings for corporate groups and oil executives.

2. Business Content & Social Media Branding Services (Targeting Oil & Gas Sector & Local Businesses)

Why It Works:

• Guyana’s financial sector is undergoing massive digital transformation, creating demand for better online business visibility.

• Small businesses lack branding & content creation skills but want to compete in a growing digital economy.

• Oil & gas professionals, corporate leaders, and businesses need professional social media branding.

How to Do It:

• Offer LinkedIn profile optimization services for professionals in oil, gas, and business sectors. Many expats and local professionals need well-curated profiles to network and advance in the industry.

• Create business reels & short videos for small and medium businesses (restaurants, retailers, local brands) that lack a strong social media presence.

• Specialize in social media ads and content marketing for businesses targeting higher-income consumers in Guyana’s growing economy.

Income Potential:

• Charge $75 - $150 USD per LinkedIn branding package (bio, optimized photo, key achievements).

• Charge $50 - $200 USD per social media content package (short videos, ad copy, strategy).

• With 5-10 clients per month, this could generate $500 - $1,500 USD extra per month.

3. High-End Logistics & Delivery Service for Corporate & Expats

Why It Works:

• The financial sector is being modernized, and online payments & MMG expansion will increase demand for premium local delivery services.

• Oil executives and expats in Guyana prefer convenience and are willing to pay a premium for reliable, hassle-free delivery services.

• E-commerce and local businesses need dedicated, trusted delivery solutions that focus on quality, not just volume.

How to Do It:

• Specialize in high-value, VIP, or urgent deliveries for corporate clients, embassies, oil industry professionals, and luxury restaurant takeouts.

• Offer a subscription-based personal delivery service for expats or professionals who need a trusted go-to delivery person.

• Partner with businesses offering premium products (wines, premium meats, imported groceries) to deliver on-demand to high-income customers.

Income Potential:

• Charge $5 - $15 USD per delivery with an average of 5-10 deliveries per day = $500 - $1,500 USD per month.

• Offer VIP or corporate subscription services at $50 - $100 USD per month for exclusive clients.

Final Thoughts:

These side hustles leverage Guyana’s economic growth, rising incomes, and shifting consumer demands. Unlike traditional hustles, they target high-value clients, ensuring better profit margins with less effort than mass-market approaches.

Each of these ideas can be started with low capital and scaled gradually, allowing someone with a full-time job to manage them efficiently.