WE have argued, at several fora and at different times, that without government’s intervention economic and social progress are not sustainable or even possible for the betterment of the rice farmers. Farmers have said before that while they recognise that government is trying its best in the rice industry but without a fixed pricing for paddy farmers will not achieve anything now and in the future. We have noted the vigour with which the Minister of Agriculture has been moving to resolve disputes as they relate to payments for farmers produce and Acts passed in Parliament but nothing has borne fruits. Some unscrupulous millers are now increasing the exploitation of farmers by reducing the price for a bag of paddy from $3,500 to $2,500.Farmers welcome the readiness of the Guyana Rice Producer’s Association (GRPA) and the Minister of Agriculture to intervene and assist in resolving the pricing of paddy. In the process, not only rice farmers will benefit but the industry, millers and all Guyana will benefit.

Editor, while rice farmers have made some important strides, the industry and the farmers as a whole have barriers which impede  progress. Perhaps, the most serious impediment is the constant exploitation by rice millers and distributors of agro chemicals. The cost of production crisis has been unacceptably high for rice farmers. Living standards in the last years have tumbled. The debt problems have milked rice farmers of much of its resources with interest and yet the debt continues to climb every crop. It is prudent to draw your attention to the recent revelation by millers that they are engaged in low-price fixing in Region 2 and is playing a crucial role in keeping paddy prices down.

I therefore believe that Guyana Government should struggle not only to retain its assets, but also to expand them. Having said this, I would hasten to add that if we as farmers are to succeed in holding on to what we have, it is clear that the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) must improve the performances both in the fields and mills.