Georgetown, Guyana – The cost of black-eye peas has surged by almost 60% in just three months, leaving consumers frustrated and angry. The sharp increase from September to December 2024 has sparked questions about inflation, seasonal price gouging, and the government’s unfulfilled promises of self-sufficiency in agriculture.
“Look at the sharp increase from September 2024 to December 2024!” lamented one frustrated shopper. “Even the quantity looks a little less despite being represented as the same grams. Is it inflation? Or is it an increase because of the season? Totally ridiculous. I’m concerned, deeply concerned.”
This outrage comes against the backdrop of earlier promises by President Irfaan Ali and the government to transform Guyana into a self-sufficient producer of black-eye peas and red beans. In August, the government announced plans to cultivate over 400 acres of these commodities and invest US$3 million in large-scale production. This initiative, coupled with the construction of two 1,500-metric-tonne silos, was touted as the pathway to stabilizing local prices and fulfilling regional demands by 2026.
“We should be self-sufficient in these two commodities, and, by the end of 2026, we will be in a position to fulfill the regional market for black-eye peas and red beans,” President Ali had declared. The Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, echoed this optimism, announcing partnerships with local investors in Kimbia and other regions to kickstart large-scale cultivation.
But as prices continue to soar, many consumers are questioning the disconnect between the government’s promises and their harsh reality. “They talked about tractors, ploughs, and 400 acres of red beans and black-eye peas,” another shopper noted. “But here we are, paying more than ever for basic staples. How do they explain this?”
The timing of the price hike has further fueled speculation about seasonal exploitation. While some point to possible supply chain disruptions or increased demand during the holidays, critics argue that this points to deeper inefficiencies in the agricultural sector and the government’s inability to deliver on promises of affordability and abundance.
For now, Guyanese families are paying the price—literally and figuratively—for what appears to be a failure to deliver on promises, leaving many to wonder if these plans will ever bear fruit.