In response to mounting concerns from rice farmers on the Essequibo Coast, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has unveiled a comprehensive set of relief measures aimed at easing the burdens of the ongoing harvest season and ensuring the sustainability of the region’s rice industry.

Speaking at a packed meeting at the Anna Regina Secondary School auditorium, Minister Mustapha directly addressed the challenges faced by hundreds of farmers, including bottlenecks at milling facilities, delayed sales, and mounting transportation costs. The intervention comes after urgent appeals from farmers and recent consultations with Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo.

Key Measures Announced

• Additional Paddy Buyer: To alleviate pressure on local mills operating at full capacity, an additional buyer has been secured to purchase over 75,000 bags of paddy. This move is expected to clear the backlog and prevent losses due to unsold produce.
• Free Fertilizer Distribution: In a major boost for productivity, every rice farmer will receive one bag of fertilizer per acre of cultivated land, a measure backed by a government injection of $2 billion. This is set to arrive in time for the second crop of the year.
• Waived Ferry Transportation Costs: The government has removed all ferry tolls for trucks transporting paddy and rice, significantly reducing overhead costs for farmers and ensuring more efficient movement of crops.
• Construction of Drying Facility: Recognizing the need for improved post-harvest infrastructure, plans are underway to build a drying facility in Region Two. This will help reduce spoilage and delays, especially during bumper harvests.
• Direct Financial Support: The government has committed to contributing $300 per bag of paddy sold to millers, providing immediate financial relief and helping farmers achieve a guaranteed price of $4,000 per bag.
• Market Expansion Initiatives: With production levels rising, the government is actively seeking new markets for Guyana’s rice, aiming to secure better prices and long-term stability for the industry.

Farmers Welcome Support

The measures have been met with optimism from the farming community, with many expressing gratitude for the government’s swift and tangible response. The planned drying facility, in particular, is seen as a vital long-term solution to recurring post-harvest challenges.

Minister Mustapha emphasized that these initiatives are not merely promises but immediate actions designed to safeguard the livelihoods of rice farmers and strengthen the agricultural backbone of Region Two. As the government continues to roll out both immediate and strategic interventions, Essequibo’s rice sector is poised for greater resilience and growth in the months ahead.