SCORES of rice farmers staged another protest at Anna Regina yesterday (Friday) to demand better prices for their paddy.Reports said the farmers, organised by the Essequibo Farmers Paddy Association (EFPA), marched along the public road from Bush Lot to Anna Regina with placards demanding better prices for their paddy.
The farmers led by AFC members Naithram and Sona Persaud, gathered atop the Anna Regina high bridge and protested opposite the office of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB).
Several other farmers who did not join the protest said the crop is being harvested and they are expecting that the Rice Producers Association (RPA) and the GRDB will ensure that fair prices are offered. They said the protest by the EFPA is for better prices, but many farmers are busy in the “backdam” to dry their fields and harvest their crop. The farmers said the weather is very hot and ideal for harvesting.
Reports said some millers on the coast are offering $2,700 for extra “A” and from $2,500 downwards for a bag of paddy. Farmers said the low prices cannot compensate them.
(Rajendra Prabhulall in Essequibo)