says Minister Mustapha

IN a significant milestone for Guyana’s agricultural sector, the Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, joined stakeholders in celebrating the re-certification of the Guyana Rice Development Board’s (GRDB) Central Laboratory for the sixth cycle.

The ceremony marked 12 years of steadfast commitment to quality and standards, emphasizing the crucial role of rice in Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
With rice being one of the primary contributors to Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and a product that is deeply rooted in the fabric of the country, Minister Mustapha noted that notwithstanding the difficulties caused by El Nino, Guyana’s rice output in 2023 exceeded the goals that were set and the previous year’s achievements.

According to Minister Mustapha, the achievement highlights the rice industry’s sustainability and resilience under the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government’s supervision.
Minister Mustapha explained that “the GRDB Central Laboratory has been indispensable in our pursuit of excellence in rice production. Over the years, it has played a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of our rice through grading services for both local sales and export. Today (Thursday), we gather not only to celebrate its re-certification but also to acknowledge its enduring contribution to the success of our rice sector.

The re-certification of the laboratory underscores a crucial point: that quality and maintenance standards are paramount to the success of our rice industry.”

He continued, “in an era where international markets demand excellence, adherence to rigorous standards is not just a requirement; it is a strategic imperative. Our commitment to these principles will not only secure our place in the global market but will also elevate the reputation of Guyana’s rice on the international stage. While we are now an emerging oil and gas-producing country, let us not overlook the significance of our agriculture sector, poised to become a major contributor to our nation’s economic prosperity. The rice industry, with its resilience and consistent performance, stands as a shining example of the potential within our agricultural sector.”

As evidenced by the most recent El Nino experiments, the minister said that they are acutely aware of the difficulties presented by climate change. Noting that the rice industry has shown remarkable resilience in the face of hardship, he also noted that the amount of work put into preventing El Nino and lessening its effects has demonstrated our dedication to using sustainable farming methods.

“This not only speaks to our determination to meet the growing demands of our population but also positions Guyana as a pioneer in agricultural innovation. As we celebrate the re-certification of the GRDB Central Laboratory, let us collectively renew our commitment to excellence in rice production. The standards we uphold today will not only shape the trajectory of our industry but will resonate across borders, establishing Guyana as a hallmark of quality in the global market. I extend my congratulations to the entire GRDB team for this achievement,” he noted.

While speaking at the event on Thursday, Minister Mustapha also reminded the public that 18 per cent of the GDP in 2022 was a result of the production of rice. He also noted that while rice contributed around US $195.6 million in foreign currencies in 2022, the government of Guyana, along with the farmers, have tremendously contributed towards advancing the sector to another level.

“In 2022, 18 per cent of Guyana’s agricultural GDP was attributed to rice production. Additionally, rice accounted for about US $195.6 million in foreign exchange in 2022, and the government of Guyana, with the support of our farmers, has been making significant strides to advance the sector to the next level,” the minister explained.

The agriculture minister also stated that the government of Guyana and the Ministry of Agriculture have anticipated a rise in the yearly output of rice, which will be achieved through initiatives such as the development of new rice varieties and through continued budgetary support.
Thus far, the minister has pointed out that there have been several accomplishments in the rice industry.

According to him, “There have been a number of achievements in the rice industry for infrastructure development, which include the construction of five drying floors at a cost of 79.1 million, the seed clearer and dryer at Black Bush Polder (Region Six) at a cost of 46 million, the research and development of three laboratories at a cost of 48 million, two new varieties, GRDB 16 and the bio-fortified (zinc).”

He continued, “the improved management practice in rice digitisation of rice land (12 million), drone technology (FAO-GRDB), will assist in data collection and aid farmers in comprehensively monitoring production in various stages (26 million), as well as improved mechanisation of aerial operations (planes and drones) and mechanised tractors.”

In regard to assistance to farmers and millers, minister Mustapha said, “we have given flood relief assistance to 1, 894 farmers who received a total of $1,994,811,521, seed paddy assistance to farmers at a total of $275,000,000, a reduction in commission effective April 1, 2022, a reduction of commission from US$8 to US$6 per MT amounting to $ 1,019,011,920 going into the farmers pockets.

We also gave fertiliser assistance to farmers at a total of $871,079,200, the purchase of five cannon jacto sprayers for the rice industry at $6.6 million, and a reduction in commission effective March 4, 2023. Millers did not pay any commission for the first crop of 2023, and they will pay farmers at least $4,000 per bag of paddy.”

Additionally, Minister Mustapha shared that “approximately $320,000,000 went towards the farmers’ pockets by this reduction in commission, along with the production of 30, 000 bags annually… Production in 2023 is expected to surpass 2022 (610,595 in 2022 and 652,521 estimated in 2023), with a record production of rice grains of 559,789 MT in 2021.”

Higher agriculture credit, public and private investment, increased usage of quality seeds and fertilisers, productivity through research and development, expansion of acreage under access roads, drainage, and irrigation, and an increase in cropping intensity. I am also happy to say that we have seven new rice markets accessed in Latvia, Hungary, the British Virgin Islands, Slovenia, Estonia, Lebanon, and Sierra Leone, for a total of 45 foreign markets. In the Hinterland, also, 28 acres of rice were sown, and a harvester valued at seven million dollars was handed over to the region.

Minister Mustapha added that by 2025, approximately “50,000 bags of seeds will be produced, with two new varieties of high-yielding and aromatic varieties being released. He also stated that there will be an increase in rice production to 847,000 tonnes,” he noted.

Minister Mustapha was also honoured by the GNBS team for his unwavering support in the agriculture sector.