The Burma Rice Research Station production drive has been given a boost with the agency’s acquisition of a spanking new tractor and laser land leveller, valued some $19.6M.

The tractor was financed through the Rice Seed Development Component and the laser leveller from the Farmers Training and Extension Component of the Agriculture Support Services Programme (ASSP).

Through the innovative laser technology, farmers will have their rice fields leveled, resulting in improved yields and income in the long run.

The technology is geared to improve water-use efficiency, water coverage, crop establishment and production, and to reduce time to complete tasks, including planting.

The occasion, attended by Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud, Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) Chairman Mr. Nigel Dharamlall, Rice Producers Association (RPA) President Mr. Lakeraj Rambrich, Burma Rice Station Plant Breeder Dr. Mahendra Singh, international experts Dr. Edward Pulver and Dr. Terrence Fullerton, and regional and other officials, was followed by an interaction session with scores of farmers

GRDB Chairman Dharamlall speaking at a rice farmers outreach meeting convened at the Burma Station at East Mahaicony said the GRDB investments though small, is another reflection of the Government’s support to foster development and improve production in the rice industry.

Dharamlall told the farmers from the various rice growing regions that the Government has a vested interest and has invested significantly in the various areas of rice industry to improve the their livelihood.

Farmers in the field.

He pointed out that the GRDB, as part of its restructuring programme, has taken a 20 per cent budget cut in an effort to better serve them.

The top GRDB official acknowledged the challenges encountered by farmers, but urged they resolve these in the field, noting that aggressive strides are being made to enhance research and extension services.

According to Dr. Singh, the Burma Rice Station breeding programme is the best in South America. He observed that since 1995, 10 new varieties of rice have been released, yielding around 40 bags per acre.

In addition, he said researchers are always at the farmers’ disposal.

Rambrich said the equipment will be of great benefit to farmers as it will not only increase production, but enhance quality as well.

He disclosed that recently the Burma Rice Station released two new varieties which are currently on trial and both have produced about 50 bags of paddy per acre.

The aim, the RPA President, said is to get farmers to produce 60 to 70 bags of paddy per acre to make them more competitive on the world market.

This sentiment was well supported by Dr. Pulver who also stressed the need for better management and a more production friendly environment.

Minister Persaud lauded the outreach which saw farmers from the rice growing regions sharing their experience to improve production and efficiency, pointing out that at this time they have to be hungry for up-to-date knowledge in bettering their results in the field.

Guyana no longer enjoys preferential markets from Europe for the staple and has to compete with the big players on the international markets.

In a move to ensure the survival and viability of the industry, Persaud said the GRDB, in its strategic plan, has focused attention on the implementation of cutting edge technology to get the competitive edge ahead of other competitors.

He urged farmers to diversify into value-added processes and reminded them that the Government is giving inceptives to those who go this way.

He said local farmers have come a long way in raising production levels and this year will be breaking new ground; but they have to continue to build on these achievements as production determines competitiveness.

The minister told the farmers that the Government has invested heavily in the industry, and has been doing all within its power to help farmers get better prices for their paddy; and they must be aware of the scaremongers in society who are bent on spreading misinformation about the sector to achieve their narrow political objectives.

Some millers meeting their financial obligation to farmers has been a problem; but Persaud said when parliament resumes, an amendment to the Rice Factories Act will be tabled before the House, seeking to get millers to complete 95 per cent payment to the farmers as a prerequisite for having their manufacturing licences renewed.
He said too that all contracts submitted to the GRDB are being closely monitored to avoid price transfer.