Guyana’s rice industry is set to achieve a historic milestone, with an estimated nine million bags of paddy expected to be harvested in the first crop of 2025. This record-breaking projection highlights the country’s continued growth as a major rice producer in the region.
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha announced the anticipated harvest during recent meetings with rice farmers, emphasizing that 232,000 acres of rice have been cultivated for the current crop. This achievement follows a record year in 2024, when Guyana’s rice production surpassed 725,000 metric tonnes, setting a new national benchmark.
The government’s sustained investments in the rice sector have played a crucial role in this success. Key initiatives include the removal of VAT on agricultural inputs, provision of subsidized fertilizers, and the introduction of three new high-yield rice varieties over the past four years. These measures have helped farmers increase productivity and reduce costs.
To further support rice farmers, the government has intervened in price negotiations with millers to ensure a stable and fair price for paddy. Despite challenging world market conditions, authorities have guaranteed that farmers receive a minimum of GY$4,000 per bag, with the government contributing GY$300 per bag as a subsidy. This support package is expected to cost the state approximately GY$2.7 billion.
Infrastructure improvements are also underway, including plans to construct new drying facilities on the Essequibo Coast to address storage and post-harvest challenges. These facilities are designed to help farmers maximize the value of their crops and manage surplus production.
Minister Mustapha reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the rice industry, stating that ongoing engagement with farmers and investment in modern agricultural practices remain top priorities. With the 2025 first crop poised to deliver a record haul, Guyana’s rice sector continues to be a vital pillar of the national economy and a source of livelihood for thousands of families.
