– one million bags paddy target expected to be surpassed
RICE harvesting will begin on the Essequibo Coast within another two weeks, with thousands of acres in Queenstown, Golden Fleece, Aurora, Affiance, Columbia and Land of Plenty almost ready to be reaped. In the meantime, planters are busy draining their fields in preparation  for the harvest, the weather having changed to hot sunshine in recent days.
The farmers said they are looking forward to good, hot suitable conditions to reap the paddy.
Some 32,500 acres are under cultivation and those in the North are in various stages of growth but production for the crop is expected to surpass the set target of one million bags paddy.
One major concern is the access dams on which to transport the produce from fields to factories. Reports said the roadways are wet and muddy because of the recent heavy, consistent rainfall.
However, the Drainage and Irrigation (D&I) Department of the Regional Administration in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) will be working to get the routes suited for the purpose.