OVER the past year, there has been a general movement of rice and paddy prices on the market by Venezuela. This trend is encouraging for the rice farmers, and the information provided lately is a guide intended for  use in the direct bargaining of sale or purchase of paddy and rice. The exchange rate is G$200= US$1.Thailand and the Phillippines, the world’s main rice producers, in the last few months faced a serious threat to earning potential because of flooding, as Venezuela began offering more competitive prices. This is undoubtedly a bold move to capture a greater share of the paddy and rice markets.
Last year, there was a significant movement in the export prices. However, by October 2011, the difference was greatly increased.  It is clear what is responsible for this, but it was reported that these two countries’ Heads-of-State were engaged in talks. With the current trend, it is expected that at some point these increased prices will have to be filtered down to the rice farmers. The implications for the farmers can be quite serious indeed, as farmers will expect that these prices will soon be translated into their earnings and will inevitably boost production.
Farmers and producers will pay greater attention to the quality and cost of production and efficiency.
Considering the critical nature that the current crop of reaping is about to end in Region 2, it will be necessary to lobby the  Rice Producer’s Association (RPA) and the government to ensure that these farmers receive the increase offered. The rice industry in Guyana is probably the most integrated of all sectors; it is integrated because each structure that serves the industry is inter-dependent. We cannot, at this point in time, falter and allow the farmers’ group to enjoy all the profits or benefits; so it is therefore important that we work together to drive the industry forward, for the benefit of all of us.
In closing, I would like to remind all stakeholders “United we Stand, Divided we Fall” and to implore  them to work cooperatively as we seek to promote Guyana’s rice and paddy on the Venezuelan market.