MORE than 2,800 rice farmers in Regions Five and Six have been verified as eligible beneficiaries under the Government’s recently announced rice farmer assistance programme, following a series of field assessments conducted by regional verification committees.
The update was provided on Wednesday during a meeting between Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha and members of the rice cultivation verification committees, who presented the findings of ongoing exercises aimed at identifying farmers eligible to receive financial support under the initiative.
According to the reports presented, a total of 2,871 rice farmers from Regions Five and Six are set to benefit from the programme.
The verification exercise was undertaken to ensure that all qualifying farmers are accurately identified and included in the distribution process, while maintaining transparency and accountability.
Addressing committee members, Minister Mustapha emphasised the importance of conducting the exercise with accuracy and integrity, noting that the Government is committed to ensuring that assistance reaches its intended recipients.
He said the verification process plays a critical role in safeguarding the programme and ensuring that eligible rice farmers receive the support needed to sustain production and operations.
The assistance programme was announced by President Dr Irfaan Ali as part of a targeted intervention to provide relief and support to rice farmers across Guyana.
Under the initiative, farmers cultivating 50 acres or less will receive $15,000 per acre, while those cultivating more than 50 acres will receive $10,000 per acre.
The programme forms part of the Government’s broader efforts to support the agricultural sector and strengthen the rice industry, one of Guyana’s key economic contributors.
Officials have indicated that verification activities are continuing to ensure that all eligible farmers nationwide are captured before the distribution of assistance begins.