-says support will ease production costs, push re-investment in rice crops
THE Government of Guyana is once again showing that its work goes beyond ministries and has a direct impact on the lives of Guyanese, with its most recent initiative aimed at ensuring the continued success of the agricultural sector and those who drive it.
Rice farmers across the country are expressing strong support for the measure, describing it as a timely intervention that will help them navigate low paddy prices and rising production costs.
The initiative, launched last week, will provide direct cash payments to farmers based on acreage, a significant factor for both small- and large-scale farmers
It is aimed at offering farmers immediate relief while enabling them to re-invest in ongoing and upcoming crops. As the Head of State, President, Dr Irfaan Ali outlined options during the unveiling of the initiative, including direct cash support, fertiliser assistance, subsidies, and acreage-based payments, which are being considered.
The government’s approach remains consultative and data-driven, backed by engagement with farmers, and forms part of broader efforts aimed at stabilising the local rice industry amid global market pressures.
Speaking after the announcement, a number of rice farmers said the initiative is particularly important given the current challenges within the sector.
Dexter Thomas noted that with prices remaining low, any form of assistance provides a much-needed boost.
He explained that the cash grant now allows them to return to their fields with some level of financial backing.
Sharing how the change in prices has impacted him and how this grant will aid, Thomas said, “I think it is a very good initiative because of the way the price is, and the government assisting the farmers is very good. I remember we did not get any good prices before, so they are doing something good,” he added, “It will benefit me because, at the price where it is, when you get some assistance, you can go back into the crop, right, and buy your fertiliser.”
This is among the main aims of the intervention, designed specifically to cushion farmers against declining earnings while ensuring production is maintained.
For others, the support comes at a very critical time.
Sharing her views on the initiative, Brigitte Smith highlighted an issue that many farmers face and how the grant will help. As Smith noted, many farmers still have crops in the field and are facing delays in harvesting due to hurdles such as limited access to combines and the time required to process paddy at mills.
She said the cash grant offers an opportunity to reinvest before the crop cycle is fully completed, rather than waiting for payments after sales, noting, “For me as a rice farmer, our crops are still in the field, and we don’t know when we will be getting the combine to cut.”
She added, “The President made a good point there and set a good way for us to collect the money and go back into the field. A great help, a very great help, for me and my children also, because we are poor people now trying to move up and get by. So that is our survival.”
Meanwhile, Omesh Omaw, also welcomed the initiative, noting that it brings a sense of hope to rice farmers, who have faced significant setbacks in recent months.
He pointed out that heavy rainfall and other challenges resulted in losses for many, while ongoing issues with millers have added further strain.
“It is a good initiative. Our rice farmers had some hope that they would expect something from the government,” he said adding, “Because of the rainfall and whatever happened, a lot of people lose rice. With the situation with the millers and everything, I mean it is a good thing that you can go back into the crop and at least start back the crop.”
Omaw said the support offers hope, allows farmers to return to their fields and restart cultivation, providing a pathway to recover and continue production. Under the initiative, farmers cultivating up to 50 acres are expected to receive $15,000 per acre, while those with larger holdings will receive $10,000 per acre, a tiered approach aimed at ensuring broad-based support across the sector.
The views of these farmers, and hundreds of others across the country, reflect growing optimism, with many viewing the initiative as a much needed and necessary step to sustain livelihoods while maintaining output in a changing economic landscape.
