REGIONAL Chairman of Region Six, David Armogan has announced that the region is targetting the cultivation of 70,000 acres of land for the new rice crop.

This move is part of continued efforts to increase agricultural production and bolster the region’s economy. The expansion in rice farming is expected to help meet the growing demand for the product and provide greater economic opportunities for local farmers and communities.

According to Armogan, who heads the region’s agriculture committee, “We have so far 30,000 acres already being sown.” It was noted that 30,900 acres of rice land have been irrigated and waiting to be sown, while another 65,869 acres will be flooded shortly.

Armogan said that with a target of 70,000 acres for cultivation for the new crop, “we are hoping that by the end of December, most persons in rice production would have already taken advantage of the weather condition, and would have sown their paddies.”

In October, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha announced that Guyana is poised to reach a historic milestone, with rice production surpassing 700,000 tonnes for the first time ever.

The government has made substantial investments in the rice industry, equipping farmers with vital resources, training, and access to cutting-edge technology. These efforts have empowered local producers, by helping them maximise their yields and enhance the overall quality of their crops.

At Tarlogie, on the Corentyne, Minister Mustapha had said back in October: “This year, for the first time since we started growing rice in Guyana, we will surpass the 700,000-tonne mark, and that will be an achievement for us.”

He’d emphasised that the impressive yield this year is averaging about 6.7 tonnes per hectare, and highlighted Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) as a key contributor to this success, showcasing the region’s vital role in reaching this historic target.

As the nation celebrates this milestone, the government remains committed to maintaining this momentum. Continued investments and innovative support programmes will focus on sustainability and advancement, thereby ensuring that the rice sector remains a cornerstone of Guyana’s economy.