Guyana distributes land leases to 113 farmers in Region Five

Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha distributed agricultural land leases to 113 farmers in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) during an open day hosted by the Mahaica-Mahaicony-Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA-ADA).

The distribution provides security of tenure for farmers, some of whom have sought formal recognition of their right to occupy and cultivate these lands for decades. The MMA-ADA scheme covers approximately 224,365 acres and supports roughly 7,000 farmers involved in rice cultivation, livestock, and cash crop production.

Minister Mustapha cautioned beneficiaries against subletting their allocated lands to others for rental income. He emphasized that the leases are intended for those who actively cultivate the land and warned that the government would review the status of any leases found to be used primarily for collecting high-cost rents.