FARMERS on the Essequibo Coast have started to harvest paddy from their fields and harvesting is in progress in several areas, including Riverstown, Suddie, Hoff Van Aurich, La Union, Capoey, Three Friends, Sparta and Hampton Court.
Reports said the average yield is about 32 bags per acre and the hot weather is ideal for reaping, so the planters are making full use of the conditions to cut and transport their produce from the field to factories promptly.
Some 32,500 acres are cultivated on the Essequibo Coast and a bigger harvest than last year is expected, with the one million bags target surpassed.
Meanwhile, the Drainage and Irrigation Department of the regional administration in Region 2 (Pomeroon/Supenaam) is busy grading and levelling drains in other rice-growing areas, where harvesting will begin shortly, to facilitate easier transport of the produce.