THE distribution of fertiliser vouchers to over 1,500 rice farmers in the Pomeroon-Supenaam region has been completed, aiming to aid them in the growth and maintenance of their rice crops.
The distribution began on Friday in several district areas, namely Good Hope, Vilvorden, Suddie, Queenstown, Bush Lot, La Belle Alliance, Hampton Court, Perth, and New Road. The distribution process was overseen by staff members of the Guvana Rice Development Board (GRDB) and supervised by regional officials.

The redemption of the vouchers will take place at Golden Fleece Rice Investment, which is under the ownership of Nazeemul Hakh. A sum of $850 million will be allocated for the distribution of fertiliser vouchers through the Government Assistance Programme for Rice Farmers (GAPRFD), benefiting both rice and cash crop farmers.

The programme is structured into two phases and is primarily intended to offer assistance to farmers in the agricultural industry. Rice farmers reported a yield of half a bag per acre. At present, the going rate for a bag of fertiliser in the region is approximately $6,700.

Rice farmers conveyed their appreciation and happiness upon receiving the vouchers. Arif Ally, a farmer from Bush Lot, received a total of 28 bags of fertiliser, amounting to a value of $187,600 in assistance.

Ally expressed gratitude for any help provided to rice farmers and commended the Government of Guyana and the Ministry of Agriculture.

Meanwhile, in response to receiving the fertiliser voucher for the spring crop, Mohamed Sattaur conveyed his heartfelt appreciation. Sattaur obtained a total of 15 bags for his plot spanning 30 acres.

He mentioned that he presently possesses a loan from the bank, and the additional funds will aid him in covering his expenses.

“It is better than nothing. it will help me a great deal. I am very thankful and it will assist my family and my children I will get more money to spend,” Sattaur said.

Gratitude was also expressed by Chaitram Kiratee, another rice farmer. He was given a total of two bags in exchange for his four acres of rice fields. According to Kiratee, the introduction of the programme has provided relief to numerous rice farmers.

In recognition of his 20-acre rice lands, Bhawanie Sewmangal was given a voucher worth 10 bags of urea fertiliser. He hails from Henrietta and has expressed his passion for farming since his early childhood. He said that the assistance will go a far way.

Vilma De Silva, the Chairperson of Region Two, conducted visits to various district communities to oversee the process.

According to De Silva, the purpose of the assistance is to alleviate the financial burden faced by rice farmers in their agricultural activities.

She stated that it was yet another commitment fulfilled by the Government of Guyana. The voucher exclusively applies to Urea Fertiliser and will remain valid until July 15, 2024. It cannot be redeemed for cash.