Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Noel Holder said yesterday that his Ministry will work with all stakeholders in the rice industry to ensure that all the existing issues and problems are dealt with in a definitive and binding manner.He stressed that in his view, feedback on the interventions which are necessary by Government is essential.
He said, “The rice industry is vulnerable to the vagaries and shocks of weather; of external markets; of pests and diseases; but I implore all stakeholders to partner with Government so that we can focus on addressing all the existing problems and make the investments necessary to foster the continuous growth of the industry.”
He made the remarks during an address to rice farmers, millers and other stakeholders in the sector who participated in a workshop on the rice industry under the theme: “Sustainable development amidst challenges.”
During his address, he announced too that Mr. Claude Housty, former manager of the Guyana Rice Export Board (GREB), had been appointed chairman of a new board of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB).
Minister Holder stressed that the industry has many challenges to address.
These include introduction of new varieties of rice to increase yields, energy efficient management of rice mills and value added production.
He noted that the high cost of production of paddy and rice is a hindrance to Guyana’s competitiveness on the world market, an aspect which will have to be aggressively addressed.
With respect to the chronic late payments to farmers by millers, he said that there is a growing possibility of the establishment of a revolving fund which will benefit both the farmers and millers.
He stressed that marketing will be a key element in sustaining the development of rice.
“Government will continue to place emphasis on the industry and make the relevant interventions.”
He also urged millers and exporters to partner with the Government to ensure that there is a continuous focus on finding and sustaining markets.
He said: “Together we can achieve it and indeed it’s a long road ahead; but there are already many good things happening that will propel us along.”