…Minister Persaud urges rice millers, exporters
RICE millers and exporters have been called upon to maintain the traditional agriculture markets, even while benefiting from the gains of the recent Guyana, Venezuelan rice agreement. The initiative will see exporters benefiting from increased quantities of rice exports, while at the same time earning better prices for their products.
Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud made this call while addressing farmers, millers and exporters at a press briefing yesterday at the ministry’s boardroom.
Minister Persaud pointed out that while the agreement comes at an opportune time, rice millers and exporters should work towards the development of long term markets.
“We will not allow persons to sacrifice other markets, we will be very careful in allowing exporting…every individual will have to deal with greater scrutiny from my office,” Persaud emphasised.
He said one of the main reasons for the US$54 million agreement inked for the supply of rice to Venezuela is to better support farmers.
This contract, the fourth of its kind, was signed on Thursday evening after a team from the Ministry of Agriculture was able to conclude a deal with the Venezuelans.
It involves the supply of 50,000 metric tonnes of paddy to Venezuela, at US$520 per metric tonne, and 20,000 metric tonnes of white rice at US$800 per metric tonne.
Guyana is to also supply 16,000 tonnes of white rice and 5,000 tonnes of paddy outstanding from the previous contract, bringing the total value of the deal to USD$54 million.
Meanwhile the two new rice varieties for commercial cultivation in Guyana have been launched, with the prime objective of developing a high yielding supply of paddy to the local farmers.
This is according to the Plant Breeder/Chief Scientist, Dr. Mahendra Persaud. “This is to create more options for farmers to make more money,” Persaud said.
He continued, “These two rice genotypes possess excellent early vigour, very good tillering ability and also canopies very early; they also have the ability to emerge well from 4-6 inches of standing water in field”.
He added that these traits are particularly important for good crop establishment and weed competitiveness, and boast a high yielding tolerance and better resilience against diseases.
“The strong and thick stem coupled with slow leaf senescence contribute positively to its ability to tolerate lodging and grain filling,”he said.
The long panicles with highly fertile grains yield approximately 40-45 bags per acre, they respond well to improved management practice, and have the genetic potential to produce even higher yields.
He said the new varieties have also demonstrated excellent milling and cooking qualities, which make them suitable for the local and international market.