IN keeping with its mandate to sensitise as well as to keep farmers updated with current changes in the rice industry, the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) has conducted a massive training course in Region Two.

The course commenced on July 23 and lasted for three days. It provided participants from the various mills with knowledge of the grading process.
The grading course was facilitated by GRDB officers and specifically focussed on the correct grading of rice and paddy as well as quality management.

Allison Peters, GRDB Quality Control Manager, who opened the training course, said the initiative seeks to sensitise, educate and provide essential information to millers regarding the grading process.

Peters said that it is important for the grading procedures to be observed upon the delivery of the paddy to the mill. After the training, participants will be allowed to write a test and once that person is successful, he or she will be issued a graders licence.

She also said the participants will be continuously monitored to ensure what they were taught is put into practice. The grading licence, Peters said, will last for two years. Only participants who pass the test will be issued a licence.

Similar training will also be conducted with rice farmers within the region to educate them on the grading process.