I could recall a time when the rice industry was not producing much in terms of adding a significant number to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), but today it is quite different. Just last year the industry produced the highest output in the history of this nation.

With the two new varieties that I have heard about being released for testing by farmers it is evident that government has been placing great emphasis on this industry. I have read that these two varieties will provide for better yields as well as being more susceptible to climatic conditions.

As a rice farmer I was very happy and enthused to be involved in a farmers’ field day exercise that allowed me to interact with other farmers. The Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) in collaboration with the Rice Producers Association (RPA) is indeed working extraneously to ensure that the industry is sustainable through building its capacity.

The new seed paddy facility would be built at No. 56 village along with approximately over $40M being invested at the Burma Rice Research Station would surely help us as farmers.
SASENARINE BALWANT