higher yields and better prices for farmers

RICE harvesting has officially commenced in Region Two, with promising prospects for farmers who are benefiting from better prices offered by local millers.
Farmers from southern coastal villages, including Columbia, Aberdeen, Perseverance, and parts of Abram Zuil, have already begun their harvesting activities, while those in the northern areas are set to start soon.

Daily, farmers can be seen transporting truckloads of paddy to nearby mills, where prices are displayed openly, ranging from $4,400 to $4,100 per bag, depending on the grade. This marks an improvement from previous seasons, and the outlook is positive as rice farmers are reporting higher yields of over 36 bags per acre — a significant increase compared to past harvests.

Regional Vice Chairman Humace Oodit highlighted ongoing efforts by the regional administration, in collaboration with the Water Users Association and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), to improve infrastructure for rice farmers. Several access dams were rehabilitated and graded in preparation for the harvest, with the region utilising its resources to further enhance farm-to-market access, thereby bolstering agricultural productivity.
Farmers are taking full advantage of the favourable weather conditions to maximise their harvests. Budhoo Narine, a rice farmer from Hibernia, expressed the importance of rice cultivation to his family’s livelihood, noting that Region Two is a predominantly rice-growing region. “Rice farming has sustained our family for generations,” Narine shared.

For many farmers burdened by debt, the promise of better prices is crucial. “When we get good prices, it means a better life for our families and the ability to pay off our loans,” said one farmer, reflecting the sentiment shared by many in the region who rely on rice farming as their primary source of income.

The Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) has been actively supporting the sector, with staff conducting field visits and engaging with farmers to ensure smooth operations. In addition, grading training has been provided for mill staff, and some farmers are even transporting their paddy to other regions in search of higher prices.

As the harvest continues, Region Two’s rice farmers remain optimistic about the season’s outcome, hoping that the improved yields and favourable prices will help alleviate their financial burdens and sustain their livelihoods.