FAVOURABLE weather conditions permitting, rice farmers on the Essequibo Coast can expect a bumper harvest this crop, surpassing the targetted 1.5 million bags of paddy. This is according to Regional Vice-Chairman, Nandranie Coonjah, who says harvesting is currently in progress at Hybonnia, Riverstown, Golden Fleece, Coffee Grove and Windsor Castle, which amounts to some 38,283 acres of land under cultivation.
According to the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) office at Anna Regina, some 1,464 acres of land have already been harvested, with production averaging 35.4 bags per acre.
The only fly in the ointment, however, is the negligible prices being paid by millers across the coast of between $2,000 and $1,600 per bag of paddy, when production cost is all of $2,700 per bag.
Word is that some farmers who have already sold their paddy, are none the wiser as to what price they will be receiving for their produce.
Coonjah, who is responsible for the Region’s drainage and irrigation, said the Regional Administration,  with the assistance of the Water Users Association (WUA), is chipping in their lot and leveling access dams in the rice-growing areas, so that farmers can transport their paddy quickly from field to factory.

However, farmers who have sold their paddy to some millers said they were not told what prices they will be receiving for their produce. (Rajendra Prabhulall)