Harvesting of second rice crop underway – RPA Head Seeraj
RPA General Secretary Dharamkumar Seeraj
RPA General Secretary Dharamkumar Seeraj

HEAD of the Guyana Rice Producers’ Association (RPA), Mr. Dharamkumar Seeraj, yesterday stated that harvesting of the current rice crop has started and is approximately 13 per cent completed.

“Harvesting is underway in all the rice producing regions except Region 5 (Mahaica/Berbice),” he said.rice

He added that farmers in Region 5 have problems with the access dams to their fields, and the Mahaica/Mahaicony/Abary (MMA) authorities are expected to do something to facilitate the start of harvesting.

“In Region 2 (Pomeroon/Supenaam), harvesting is ongoing at full swing. Harvesting continues without any major challenges also in Regions 3 (West Demerara/ Essequibo Islands), 4 (Demerara/Mahaica) and 6 (East Berbice/Corentyne),” Seeraj said.

The RPA Head also noted that prevailing weather conditions have been “fairly” good for harvesting.

Asked about problems with the crop, Seeraj disclosed that a few acres of rice harvested already have shown some paddy bug damage.

“Some of the early season paddy showed paddy bug damage,” he said.
However, he said, the overall harvest to date indicates good quality rice, with improved yields per acre.

“We are also working with farmers and millers to ensure payments are made on time, with no challenges,” Seeraj said.

The production for 2013 was 535,212 tonnes, which was far above the original target of 413,000 tonnes and reflected a 27 per cent increase over the production in 2012. The average production per hectare was some five tonnes.

For 2014, production is expected to surpass last year’s target.

(Vanessa Narine)

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