RICE farmers in Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) cultivated 97,797 acres of land from which 2,600,075 bags of paddy were harvested. The yield was 4.3 tonnes per hectare during 2012, Regional Chairman Mr. David Armogan reported.

Comparing that production to the previous year’s, he said it had increased; because, in 2011, 93,983 acres were planted, and yielded a harvest of 4.2 tonnes per hectare.

He said the larger harvest was due to the fact that farmers were utilising every available plot in an effort to expand their cultivation.

Armogan said that, at the administrative level, efforts are being advanced to provide the necessary services for the farmers, which include improved drainage and irrigation that will facilitate a further rise in yield this year.

He further announced that rice cultivation has returned to East Bank Berbice for the first time in more than a decade.
Meanwhile, the media was also informed that cash crop production had risen during the year in review, as farmers had utilised residential plots, front lots and farm lands in Black Bush Polder and other areas.

However, despite the increased vegetation, Armagon said, there were some setbacks, which resulted from flooding, particularly in the Black Bush Polder communities, which are known for agricultural production.