Georgetown, Guyana – Amid record-breaking rice production and an overflow of paddy, the Guyana Government is ramping up efforts to secure new international markets for local farmers facing logistical challenges and declining global prices.

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo recently addressed the issue during a meeting with rice farmers, acknowledging the difficulties caused by increased acreage and higher yields this season. Mills across the country are struggling to keep up with the surplus, leaving farmers with long queues and limited storage options for their harvests.

To alleviate these bottlenecks, the government has stepped in with logistical solutions, including deploying a ferry service to transport paddy from Supenaam to Parika, providing farmers access to external markets beyond Region Two. “The PPP/C has always stood with rice farmers, even during the toughest times,” Dr. Jagdeo stated. “We are now focused on securing additional markets and easing the bottlenecks farmers are experiencing.”

The Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) has been instructed to calculate the remaining paddy left to be harvested and work closely with farmers to ensure that buyers are found promptly. This initiative aligns with broader government efforts to expand export opportunities for Guyanese rice, which has already reached new destinations such as Latvia, Hungary, Lebanon, Angola, and Sierra Leone.

Guyana’s rice industry has seen remarkable growth in recent years, with production reaching 725,282 metric tonnes in 2024 and projected to hit 804,000 metric tonnes this year—a 12.4% increase. However, falling global prices have added pressure on farmers and millers alike. The government has responded by negotiating higher prices for paddy and providing subsidies for fertilisers and agrochemicals to offset input costs.

Nazemul Hakh, owner of Golden Fleece Rice Investment, shared that while his facility can accommodate 300,000 tonnes of paddy, storage capacity remains a critical issue. His mill is currently processing 12,000 bags daily while exporting some of its stock to ease the burden on local farmers.

Dr. Jagdeo also emphasized the importance of diversifying rice usage domestically through value-added products such as cereals and rice-based beverages. With investments in breweries and other industries underway, local consumption is expected to rise alongside continued export expansion efforts.

As Guyana’s rice sector continues its upward trajectory, government officials remain committed to ensuring that farmers benefit from sustainable growth while navigating external market challenges. For many farmers across Region Two and beyond, these interventions offer hope in overcoming current obstacles and securing a prosperous future for one of the nation’s most vital industries.