THE current prolonged rainy weather is of major concern to the local rice industry as harvest time approaches; and General Secretary of the Guyana Rice Producers Association (RPA), Mr. Dharamkumar Seeraj, told this publication in a telephone interview on Friday 

that harvesting of rice in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) and in some fields in Region Three (West Demerara/Essequibo Islands) is scheduled to begin by the end of this month.

He noted that August is normally the driest month of the year, providing ideal weather for harvesting, but this August is proving to be one of the wettest months of the year.

He said that constant rainfall poses a threat to harvesting, which cannot be done in the rain. Moreover, the rain renders access dams in a severe state of deterioration, which can also hinder the harvesting process.

Nevertheless, at time of speaking with this reporter, Seeraj said he was in Region Two, the largest rice cultivating area in the country, holding discussions with the regional chairman and the Water Users Association on the way forward.

He related that similar discussions have also been taking place in Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) and those have been ongoing since onset of the rainy period in May/June.

Seeraj also pointed out that another major concern to the rice industry is the current infestation of paddy bugs. Nevertheless, he said, measures are being put in place to deal with that issue.

General Manager of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), Mr. Jagnarine Singh, also said the rainy weather poses a threat to the crop, and it was getting close to harvesting. However, he said there is very little that can be done at this time, because everything depends on the weather.

Singh also said that while the paddy bug infestation is countrywide, the situation is being monitored and is under control.

The GRDB, under the purview of the Ministry of Agriculture, has initiated a $25M programme to address the paddy bug issue. Farmers across the country are being provided with pesticides and technical support to combat this nuisance.

In a previous interview, Singh had said the paddy bug infestation could be attributed to change in the weather, drainage issues, and maintenance of rice fields.

He has advised that distribution of pesticides has commenced on the Essequibo Coast, and that rice farmers in Wakenaam and Leguan will also benefit.