Guyana: The World's Only Food Self-Sufficient Nation, With Strong Indian Roots

• Guyana, a South American nation, is the only country globally that is completely self-sufficient in food production, growing all seven essential food categories for its 800,000 population.
• Approximately 40% of Guyana's population consists of people of Indian origin, whose ancestors were sent from regions like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in the 19th century to work on sugarcane plantations.
• The country's success is attributed to a significant increase in its agricultural budget (468%), diversification beyond rice and sugar to include maize, soybeans, and dairy, and continuous investment in infrastructure and farmer education.
• Guyana produces all seven food categories: starchy staples, legumes/nuts/seeds, vegetables, fruits, dairy, meat, and fish, a feat not achieved by larger agrarian nations like the US, China, or India.
• Despite its agricultural success, Guyana has preserved over 85% of its original forest area, demonstrating sustainable food production without extensive deforestation.

Why It Matters: Guyana stands as the world's sole food self-sufficient nation, a model of sustainable agriculture.