Investments will continue in rice industry
Agriculture Minister assures farmers

Georgetown, GINA, April 03, 2008.

Farmers from across the rice growing belt of Guyana have been assured that Government’s investments to improve infrastructure and enhance support services, will continue to ensure that the opportunities currently available in the industry are utilised.
            On April 02, rice farmers from Regions Two, Three, Four and Five gathered with their colleagues from Region Six at Number 53 Village, Berbice to share practices and experiences  as part of the final ‘Exchange Visit’ hosted by the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB).
Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud, Region Six Chairman Zulficar Mustapha, GRDB General Manager Jagnarine Singh, President of the Guyana Rice Producers Association (GRPA) Lekha Rambridge and General Secretary Dharamkumar Seeraj were among those present during the field visit.
The activity’s importance was noted since it allows farmers from one area to familiarise themselves with what is taking place in the industry at another location. This creates an environment for information-sharing which could help to address some of the problems being faced in some areas.
 In addition, the event is useful in improving the work of the GRDB as the regulatory body of the rice industry and the GRPA which represents farmers.

Minister Persaud with rice farmers at Number 53 Village

Farmers were advised that while the industry is currently enjoying good days, the situation will not remain the same forever and they have been urged to ensure that the opportunities are utilised and invested prudently.
“I want you to act wisely with the resources, the income you may gather. I also want you to act wisely with your land area and not only put everything alone in rice too. As much as we need the rice, we need an element or component of diversification because for the long haul, things may not remain as high and as good as they are,” Minister Persaud said.
Reference was made to Government’s substantial investment in research, drainage and irrigation, extension services and improved yield through the development of new lines to ensure that farmers are given the necessary support to succeed in their activities.
It was noted that the investments are being made in recognition that rice will continue to be a vital player in the economy and as part of the administration’s vision to increase the sector’s competitiveness.
“It comes at an opportune time when the prices are going up and certainly that will serve as an incentive to our farmers to ensure that they invest and take necessary decisions that will ensure their continued involvement,” Minister Persaud noted.
One of the main initiatives by Government to support rice development is the Rice Competitiveness Project through which more than $3B is being invested in enhanced research and development, technical assistance, water management and the provision of low-interest loans to stakeholders.
Under the financial facility set up as part of the project, efforts have been made for the GRPA to access resources for the importation of bulk fertilisers to help farmers deal with rising prices of this input.
  Seeraj explained that although the arrangement was delayed, efforts are being made for farmers to access fertilizer supplies shortly, particularly urea at reasonable prices.
Other actions taken by the administration to help with the high cost of input include removal of the Value Added Tax (VAT) from fertilizer and spare parts for tractors and combines used in the industry. Recently, the Excise Tax on fuel was removed and this will further help farmers.
  Several legislative interventions were also made to create a level playing field for all stakeholders and to protect farmers from unscrupulous millers.

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