GIVEN the continuous success of the rice industry, efforts are being made to secure a greater foothold in Nicaragua and other Central American countries, including Belize.Head of the Guyana Rice Producers’ Association (RPA), Mr. Dharamkumar Seeraj, told the Guyana Chronicle yesterday during a telephone interview that Guyana currently has export agreements with several countries in the Caribbean as well as with Venezuela and Panama. He said arrangements to ship rice to countries in West Africa are still being finalised, its delay owing to the Ebola epidemic.

Seeraj explained that, in addition to existing markets, Guyana is seeking to reach Caribbean nations and European countries.
“Export of rice to Venezuela has also been increased, which comes as a success for the agricultural industry of Guyana,” he said.

The RPA Head explained that improved production, quality, and by extension exports, in addition to securing new markets, would undoubtedly increase the rice industry’s contribution to the local economy.

Last year was another record-breaking year for the rice industry. Production was recorded at 635,238 tonnes, of which 501,208 tonnes were exported. Production in the final crop of 2014 surpassed that of the first crop, which recorded just over 300,000 tonnes. 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.

FIRST CROP’S PROGRESS
Asked about the progress of the current rice crop, Seeraj disclosed that sowing is still to be completed in Regions Five (Mahaica/Berbice) and Six (East Berbice/Corentyne).

He explained that Region Six rice farmers are still experiencing “irrigation challenges”, but he assured that the RPA, along with stakeholders, is addressing the issue, which is expected to be resolved shortly.

Given weather patterns, the RPA Head reiterated, rice farmers in Regions Five and Six have been advised not to extend sowing beyond the end of January.

Sowing, Seeraj added, has been completed in the other rice producing regions: Regions Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam), Three (West Demerara/Essequibo Islands) and Four (Demerara/Mahaica).

On the question of payments, the RPA Head assured that only a small percentage of the accumulated $23B in sales for the last crop of 2014 remains to be paid out.

He acknowledged reports that some rice farmers in Regions Five and Six have not yet been paid, but he reiterated that all efforts are being made to ensure full payment to all rice farmers.

Rice production was at its lowest in Guyana in the late 1980s, due to neglect of the industry, which saw a lack of sound agricultural policies and programmes and little or no investment in agricultural infrastructure and research and training.

Today, there are greater investments in agriculture infrastructure, education and training of farmers, and in research. Moreover, there are more guaranteed markets as well. Secure drainage, new and improved farming technologies, and new rice varieties are among some of the interventions made over the years on the part of Government, and these have been fuelling the rice industry’s growth.

Government, cognisant of maintaining the strong performance of the rice industry, has offered the relevant support.