RICE farmers whose crop was affected by the red rice infestation are benefiting from the free distribution of fertiliser by the Guyana Rice Producer’s Association (RPA) in Region 2. The assessment of the affected acreage carried out by the Extension Staff of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) and the Field Staff of the RPA indicated that all 31,500 acres were affected.However, some assistance will have to be given in the area of high-quality seed paddy to farmers in order to catch up on the shortfall of this crop production.
While the Ministry of Agriculture is doing its best to assist rice farmers in this region, rice millers are becoming united on increasing their weight of 170 pounds for a bag of paddy and they do not allow differences to affect their profits.
Let us not divide ourselves into different bodies; rather, we should work towards creating one farmers’ organisation capable of defending the interests of all rice farmers. The Rice Factories Act No.8 of 1998 clearly defines that the minimum grading equipment must be available to determine the quality of paddy moisture, dockage and standard scale must be provided for various operations in accordance with the stipulations laid down by the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB).And these scales and the grading equipment used at the rice factory are accurate, efficient and approved by the Board.
No person shall purchase or receive paddy for the manufacture of rice except at a price calculated on a bag of 143 pounds net or such other weight as may be prescribed by the minister by order. The consequences of these declining weight and grades are already being felt by rice farmers and many are expected to reduce their production and profits. This trend, which was non-uniform, has had more consequences for some rice farmers than others in other rice-growing regions.
The implications for the rice farmers can be quite serious indeed. Farmers will have to expect that these increased pounds and lower grades will soon be translated into their yields and will inevitably threaten the comparatively high prices presently being enjoyed.
Considering the critical nature of the current situation of this crop by some rice millers, it will be necessary for the government and the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) to protect the interest of our rice farmers. Regional Co-coordinators must report on these conditions of Quality Control Laboratories at all mills, they must be informed that the conditions for licensing are that they must employ trained graders and have proper equipment in the grading laboratory.