RICE FARMERS in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) have expressed joy and satisfaction in the manner in which rice millers have treated them this crop.

According to the farmers they received prompt payments, with cash being made available at the bank within a week. This for them is an improvement in the sector since they can re-invest in their crop, as well as do more around their home environs.
Rice farmers during interviews related that for this crop, payments from the mills were prompt.

“This is a better crop. I say this because we were given as much as $500 more on each bag and also prompt payments. When this happens the farmer is in a better position,” said one farmer.
Another farmer from Affiance, Shane Jordhan, related that this crop a rice miller from Vilvoorden managed to purchase bulk paddy from farmers and that mill is also offering better prices.
“We had to take our paddy far this time but we didn’t regret because that miller at Vilvoorden came in and rescued the rice farmers plus gave us better prices,” Jordhan further related.
Other farmers, who spoke to this newspaper on condition of anonymity, fearing victimisation from other millers, related that with early payments they are able to do more in terms of offsetting their overhead expenses, as well as to make investment for themselves.

“When early payments are made then we are able to see our money, we are able to pay out combine, tractor men and we are able to save for our family. This is what we want; we don’t want piece, piece money… when this happen more expenses bulk up hence the business becomes unprofitable,” farmer Richard De Younge said.
Several millers this crop have offered better prices to Region Two farmers.
Last crop rice farmers were offered $2000-$2500 per bag of paddy and this crop the prices have increased to $2800-$3000.

Almost 90 percent of the harvesting has been completed within the agricultural region and some farmers are in the process of burning their fields in preparation for ploughing.
Next crop, the region’s National Drainage and Irrigation Committee will be introducing a ‘water schedule’ for farmers, to allow for timely flow of water into their fields in time for sowing.