–after receiving gov’t cash injection

AS a wave of development continues to sweep across the region, some 560 rice farmers in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) on Tuesday received more than $201.6 million in direct cash grants under the government’s $2.763 billion rice support programme, with beneficiaries describing the initiative as timely assistance that will help strengthen production and support their families.

The distribution exercise, held at the Leonora Track and Field Centre, forms part of a nationwide initiative announced by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali to provide $15,000 per acre to farmers cultivating 50 acres or less and $10,000 per acre to those cultivating more than 50 acres.

Addressing the gathering, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha said Region Three’s distribution follows last weekend’s rollout in Region Two, where more than $403 million was distributed to 1,301 farmers.

He said the government’s continued investments and support have transformed the rice sector and he expressed confidence that national production will surpass last year’s record 825,000 tonnes by the end of 2026.

Speaking to farmers ahead of the distribution process, Minister Mustapha said the cash grant programme is another demonstration of the government’s commitment to strengthening the rice industry and provide direct support to farmers.

He noted that the initiative commenced in Region Two, where 1,301 farmers benefitted from payments totalling $403,149,360, before moving to Region Three.

“In Region Three, we have 560 farmers that are listed, and they cultivated 15,636 acres of land last crop. We will be paying out in Region Three, $201,696,055,” he said before reminding his audience that the nationwide programme is a part of a $2.763 billion initiative and provides direct financial assistance, with those cultivating 50 acres or less receiving $15,000 per acre and larger producers receiving $10,000 per acre.

Reflecting on the progress made within the industry over the past five years, the agriculture minister said the rice sector has seen significant transformation, which he noted is backed by sustained government investment and targeted interventions.

Minister Mustapha pointed to increased production, improved productivity and the introduction of new technologies that have enhanced the competitiveness of Guyana’s rice industry.

“We have seen the support that the government would have given to the rice sector in our country. We have increased production. We have seen better yield, new variety, more yield,” Minister Mustapha said.

Moreover, he added that major investments in farm-to-market roads, drainage and irrigation, infrastructure, bridges, and dams have also strengthened the sector.

Highlighting the sector’s continued growth, the minister said Guyana’s rice production has increased since 2020, going from approximately 550,000 tonnes to a record 825,000 tonnes last year. This growth, Minister Mustapha noted, is as a result of improved infrastructure, the introduction of high-yielding rice varieties and the commitment of farmers across the country.

According to the minister, production during the first half of this year has already surpassed expectations, placing Guyana’s industry on track for yet another record-breaking performance.

“We have produced more than 414,000 tonnes. I am very optimistic that at the end of this year, we will produce the target that we set ourselves and surpass last year’s target of 825,000 tonnes,” he said.

Farmers welcomed the financial support, describing it as timely assistance that will help meet both household and farming expenses.

Samuel Damon, a rice farmer from Den Amstel with 25 years in the industry said, “The cheque is a great help to me and my family right now because I need a little extra cash.’’

Rainooka Devi of Windsor Forest, who cultivates three acres of rice in La Jalousie, said, “With the grant, I plan to invest it back into fertiliser that will produce the paddy better.”

Sharing similar sentiments, Ramkumar Persaud of Vergenoegen, who farms 12 acres, said the assistance would go directly back into his operation.

“The grant will be going towards buying some fertiliser, so this could help a long way. It’s a good help,” he said.

The nationwide distribution is expected to continue as the government advances efforts to strengthen the industry, reduce production costs and sustain Guyana’s record levels of rice output.