By Bebi Shafeah Oosman

MINISTER of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha has announced that the country is experiencing an exceptional rice harvest this season, with over 60 per cent of the crop already harvested, and yield levels described as “extremely good”.
Speaking during a recent visit to the Berbice region, Minister Mustapha highlighted the strong performance being recorded across major rice-growing areas.

“The yield is very good, right around the country. Here in Berbice, for example, farmers are seeing between 6.6 to 6.8 tonnes per hectare; this translates to approximately 40 or more bags per acre for farmers, which is a very positive sign as to how the harvest will conclude,” the Minister said.

This robust yield reflects ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Agriculture and its agencies to support rice farmers through improved farming practices, and better drainage and irrigation systems.
Minister Mustapha pointed out that his ministry remains focused on assisting farmers to complete the current harvest cycle efficiently, and in a timely manner.

“We are working closely with our rice farmers to ensure they can get this harvest out before the rainy season,” he said, noting that weather conditions remain a critical factor in post-harvest activities.
Turning his attention to the MMA, he explained that for the first time “in the longest while”, almost 103,000 acres of rice have been planted at the location.
However, Minister Mustapha said that he is hoping that in the second crop, they can expand that to 115,000 acres.

“The yield there is tremendously good, because the drainage system in the MMA is excellent, and we are having better yield than some other parts of the country,” he said.
Stressing that they are over 56 per cent harvested at MMA, the Minister highlighted that the production there is “massive”.
“I told the mangers and the other staff there, so that we can get out the rice quickly as possible,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mustapha also pointed out that Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo had announced that the government is currently working to find new markets for rice, because of the constant increase.
“Last year we have moved from 700,000 to 725,000 acres for the first time, and this year we are hoping to move between 804,000 to 825,000 tonnes of rice. So, we have to find new markets. Immediately we will have to have agents in different

parts of the world to find new markets,” the Minister said.