AN evaluation of the nature and forms of farmers representation in Guyana for over decades would lead to the conclusion that there had been no recognisable policy and programme in place to stop the exploitation of rice farmers.
The passage of new legislation and the autonomous Rice Producers’ Association (RPA) with the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) have become toothless poodles. By definition, small and large rice farmers are now vulnerable, many are unsophisticated and unable to represent themselves effectively, and most of them have now been traumatised by prior experiences with bounced cheques and extra pounds for a bag of paddy by millers.
The experience many rice farmers have had with millers has severely compromised the quality of their lives which, in many instances has deteriorated to mere subsistence level.
On Friday,October29, 2011 the rice farmers of Region 2 protested and carried out picketing exercises against the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), the Rice Producers’Association (RPA) and the Minister  of Agriculture lobbying the government to help them receive their payments for paddy sold to millers for over two years as they are facing grave economic crises.
They decried that the millers are taking advantage on them and most fear and distrust them. The farmers, who form the backbone of Guyana’s rice industry, are convinced that incestuous collusion and prevailing team work are prime criteria used in facilitating bounced cheques and extra pounds for paddy. Rice farmers have been traumatised by with lending institutions, some having lost equipment, property, even life and life saving when bad cheques are issued to them.
Sad to say,  no one from the RPA was in the picketing line with these farmers and were voiceless at a time when their voices were needed to be heard! It makes me remember the present society that we live in – where anything and everything goes. Having said this, I would hasten to add as a former RPA Extension officer that if the organisation is to succeed in holding on to the rice farmers, it is clear that they must improve their performance. Millers are becoming united and they do not allow differences to affect their profits.
This tells the rice farmers that they must seek closer co-operation creating a strong farmers’ organisation capable of defending their interests.