HUNDREDS of rice farmers from Region Five, on Wednesday, began receiving financial relief cheques as the Government rolled out more than $1.18 billion in assistance aimed at supporting rice producers amid mounting global challenges affecting the agriculture sector.
The distribution exercise was led by Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, who spearheaded the handing over of cheques to farmers on Wednesday under a relief programme announced earlier this year by President Dr Irfaan Ali.
The initiative fulfils a commitment made by President Ali during a consultation with hundreds of rice farmers at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in April, where the Government pledged financial assistance to help cushion the impact of increasing production costs and uncertainties in international markets.
Under the programme, rice farmers cultivating 50 acres or less are receiving $10,000 per acre to help offset rising input costs and strengthen production.
In Region Five alone, 1,387 rice farmers cultivating a combined 104,519 acres are expected to benefit from a total of $1,182,326,700 in relief payments.
The intervention forms part of the Government’s broader strategy to sustain the rice industry, one of Guyana’s most important agricultural sectors and a significant contributor to employment, rural livelihoods and export earnings.
Government officials have said the financial support is intended to ease the burden on farmers as the industry continues to navigate volatile global conditions, including higher input prices, supply chain disruptions and fluctuating international market conditions.
The administration has consistently maintained that supporting rice farmers remains a national priority, with continued investments in drainage and irrigation infrastructure, farm-to-market roads, research, extension services and other initiatives designed to improve productivity and strengthen the long-term resilience of the sector.
The distribution in Region Five is expected to provide timely financial relief to producers while reinforcing the Government’s commitment to safeguarding agricultural production and ensuring the continued growth and competitiveness of Guyana’s rice industry.
