THE Rice Factories (Amendment) Act was a necessary piece of legislation to enhance our rice industry. Farmers and millers alike will benefit from this legislation, and this will ultimately improve not only our rice industry but also Guyana’s economy since the rice industry contributes significantly to the country’s GDP.

Contrary to some people’s opinions, this bill was established with the interest of rice farmers at heart. A proper understanding of the bill will cause any individual to realize and conclude that amending the pre-existing Rice Factories Act was essential in order to protect farmers form being exploited by millers, as well as to maintain the thriving nature of the rice industry.

Before this bill was passed, farmers were being owed enormous sums of money by millers, and were actually being treated like beggars when they asked for what was rightfully theirs’. They are the most vulnerable group involved here, and government had to step in, because, had the farmers decide to protest in strike or by withholding their paddy from these millers, the entire rice industry would be at risk, leaving this country in an economic fiasco. To date, millers are still in debt to farmers for their paddy; however, this bill makes it illegal for millers to withhold payment from farmers after forty-two days of the purchase of the paddy.

As I stated in a previous letter, “the rice industry continues to play a critical role in Guyana’s economic development, and as such, makes it necessary for government to work with farmers and the sectors and service providers to ensure the promotion and the enhancement of the industry.”