FARMERS from Black Bush Polder and the Upper Corentyne area in Region Six, have voiced their appreciation to President Dr. Irfaan Ali and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government for the recent agreement with millers, which guarantees a minimum price of $4,000 for a bag of paddy this crop.

Devi Maraj, a rice farmer from Fredericka Johanna, stated that while she
and the other farmers were appreciative of the engagement with the Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha, the announcement of the $4,000 price came as a surprise to them.

“We are very satisfied [with this news]. We came here but didn’t expect this. As farmers, we are already getting $3,600, $3,700 per bag but it cannot pay. The minister (Zulfikar Mustapha) said that they signed the contract this morning (March 4, 2025) for $4,000 per bag. I want to compliment the Minister for this and the President, Dr. Ali, for this,” the female farmer said.

Another farmer (no name was mentioned) further expressed his satisfaction with President Ali and the PPP/C government’s efforts for the people of Guyana, particularly for farmers like himself. The farmer also took the opportunity to convey his gratitude to Minister Mustapha as well for the recent increase in the price for paddy.

The farmer said: “We farmers are here this morning. We are very thankful for what the president and the minister of agriculture have been doing for us over the years, especially at this time when the price of rice has gone down. We know that they have worked very hard to bring us back on this track, where we can get a reasonable price for our paddy, and we can work with that.”

Furthermore, the farmer added that over the years, the government has made significant progress in the rice sector, for which they are deeply grateful.

Also speaking with the media, Vishnu (only name given), a rice farmer from Johanna North, communicated that they feel “comfortable” and “happy” about the recent increase in paddy prices. He also expressed gratitude towards the government, particularly President Ali and Minister Mustapha, for their continuous efforts to represent the interests of farmers across the country.
“I am thankful to the government, the agriculture minister, and the president for doing a fine job. The paddy price has gone up, and we are comfortable and happy about it. I am happy about the price; thank you very much.”

Finally, another farmer from Black Bush Polder said: “We are thankful for the PPP/C government for looking into the rice farmers business, especially when the price of rice was dropped. They intervened at the right time, and we, the farmers, appreciate what they have done for us. We thank them so much.”