RICE farmers on Essequibo Coast have begun harvesting paddy from their fields.
They are enjoying the very hot, sunny weather that has dried their land and made reaping easier.
Those in the Affiance/Columbia areas have already drained their cultivations in preparation for the harvest while the process is in progress at Taymouth Manor, Hoff Van Aurich, Three Friends and Riverstown.
Reports said the yield per acre is very good and production at the end of the crop is expected to, again, surpass the set target of one million bags.
The Regional Administration is also busy working to grade and level access dams in the rice cultivation areas, especially where harvesting is ongoing.
Meanwhile, farmers at Windsor Castle, Sparta, Lima, Hampton Court and Devonshire Castle are also draining and drying their fields.
Some 32,000 acres on Essequibo Coast are planted with rice.