—Three-year plan covers over 6,000 farmers across Regions Two, Three, Five, and Six

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Tuesday, officially launched a groundbreaking crop insurance programme aimed at benefitting more than 6,000 rice farmers across Guyana.
The initiative, introduced in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, UPL Costa Rica, Philip Morris International, and the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB)—marks a major step toward strengthening the nation’s agricultural resilience.

Speaking before thousands of farmers from Regions Two, Three, Five, and Six at the Anna Regina Secondary School, President Ali described the launch as a clear reflection of the government’s commitment to safeguarding livelihoods and fortifying the rice sector.

“This launch signifies not only a bold step in climate resilience but also a demonstration of the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the livelihoods of our farmers and strengthening the foundation of our national food security,” the President said.

He emphasised that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is determined to ensure rice remains a staple in Guyana’s food system and a central pillar of the agricultural economy.
Under the agreement, over 6,000 rice farmers will now receive free agricultural insurance coverage for a period of three years, with no premiums required.

The insurance is designed to cover losses from extreme weather events such as flooding and drought, two of the most pressing threats in recent years.
“When rice farmers go to the bank now, they can go with the insurance. And with the insurance, the risk is reduced—and so is the cost at the bank,” the President explained.
The initiative is part of a broader strategy to introduce modern agricultural technologies and reduce the sector’s vulnerability to climate shocks.

“Through this agreement, we will not only provide insurance assistance to reduce the risks posed by adverse weather, but we will also implement a pilot innovative rice farming system involving modern technology,” Dr. Ali stated.

He recalled the devastating floods of 2011, which impacted over 2,000 rice farmers and caused extensive damage to the agriculture sector, prompting over $2 billion in emergency relief.
“We want partners that will help us build a sustainable food system and develop agriculture. UPL will ensure this,” the President added, praising the company for its leadership in BioSolutions and precision farming.
Dr. Ali also encouraged rice farmers to form clusters and co-operatives in Region Two to strengthen access to government support, including cost-saving equipment. Plans are underway to establish integrated services and logistics hubs within the region.

A PROUD MOMENT FOR GUYANA’S AGRICULTURE SECTOR
Meanwhile, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, described the day as a proud moment for Guyana’s agriculture sector, noting that the initiative will deliver tangible and transformative benefits to thousands of rice farmers.

“Rice farmers are the backbone of Guyana’s food system and the Government is backing you,” Minister Mustapha said.
He explained that the programme forms part of a broader strategy to make agriculture more resilient, technologically advanced, and secure for future generations.
According to the Minister, rice yields in Guyana have steadily increased—from 5.4 tonnes per hectare in 2021 to 6.6 tonnes in 2024. Production rose from 559,789 tonnes in 2021 to 610,595 tonnes in 2022, 653,706 tonnes in 2023, and 725,282 tonnes in 2024.

Still, the industry remains highly vulnerable to climate change. Minister Mustapha cited the catastrophic 2021 floods, which caused approximately $50 billion in losses and destroyed over 27,373 acres of rice, impacting around 2,000 farmers.

In response, the government rolled out more than $2 billion in flood relief, distributing 205,153 bags of fertiliser (valued at GYD 1.5 billion) and 18,613 bags of seed paddy (valued at GYD 93 million).
“As climate-related risks become more frequent and severe, it is not just a matter of chance, but it is a matter of responsibility that our farmers are protected against such risk,” Minister Mustapha said.

He continued, “It is the duty of the Government to step in, to support our farmers, and to ensure that the backbone of our economy does not buckle under the weight of these challenges. Building resilience within the agriculture sector is not optional it is essential.”

A GAME-CHANGER FOR FARMERS
Thanks to the partnership with GRDB, UPL Costa Rica and Philip Morris International, the programme will offer full crop insurance coverage at no cost to farmers. Compensation will be provided for losses tied to extreme weather events giving farmers a safety net when disaster strikes.
Minister Mustapha said the programme is not only about reducing risk but also empowering farmers.

“It provides our rice farmers with a safety net, allowing them to plan, plant, and produce with greater confidence, knowing that help is available when nature strikes hardest,” Mustapha said.
Over the past four years, approximately 81% (or GYD $7.9 billion) of agricultural investments in Region Two have been directed toward critical infrastructure—such as drainage, irrigation, and farm-to-market roads.

The remaining GYD $1.8 billion supported fisheries, crop diversification, and livestock.
Long-time rice farmer Tekeram Sankar, also known as Terry, from Anna Regina, praised the initiative, saying it will help secure the livelihoods of many.
“It is a relief for rice farmers when disaster strikes,” he said, commending the PPP/C Government for the bold and timely support.
Jai Shroff, Global CEO and Chairman of UPL Group, commended Guyana’s leadership in agricultural innovation.
“Very few countries are so relentlessly focused on agriculture. We admire President Ali’s proactive approach—it will be immensely beneficial,” Shroff said.
He stressed that food security remains a global concern, and UPL is proud to support Guyana’s farmers.
“Food security is a key issue, and agriculture is such an important tool. Our goal is to help farmers build resilience. This will also give banks the confidence to lend to farmers,” he added.
Shroff reaffirmed UPL’s commitment to providing the technology, tools, and expertise needed to help Guyana realise its vision of becoming a regional food production powerhouse.