Harvesting of the second rice crop has started in Region 2 (Pomeroon/Supenaam).

The General-Secretary of Guyana Rice Producers Association (RPA), Dharamkumar Seeraj told the Guyana Chronicle that the harvesting of the second rice crop in Region 3 (Essequibo-Islands/West Demerara) and Region 4 (Demerara/Mahaica) will begin in the second week of September, with harvesting in Regions 5 (Mahaica/Berbice) and 6 (East Berbice/Corentyne) expected to start by the end of September.
The RPA Head noted that the heavy rainfall of the past week has not had any significant impact on the rice industry. He indicated that rainfall will be welcome in the rice producing regions, with the exception of Region 2, where harvesting has already started.
“As a matter of fact, we are happy for the rain, in Region 3 we need the rainfall. Also farmers are in need of more water in their fields, along with the front lands of Region 6,” Seeraj said.
The first rice crop this year brought in a record-breaking 315,000 tonnes, which is not only the largest single crop, but also surpassed the annual targets made by the industry prior to 2000. For the second crop, some 225,000 acres of rice was cultivated, with a production target of 310,000 tonnes.

(Sandy Agasen)