Rice exports reaches highest in past decade
-approximately US$69M earned up to November

Georgetown, GINA, December 04, 2007.

Government’s commitment and investments in the rice industry is showing encouraging results, as recent statistics have revealed that exports for this year will be the highest achieved over a decade.
            At a press conference today, Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud reported that exports up the end of November 2007 were 247,111 tonnes which earned the country approximately US$69M. Exports for the corresponding period in 2006 were 247, 705 which earned approximately US$49M.
This performance had indicated a 35 percent increase in volume and 39 percent in terms of value of the exports while Guyana’s major markets continue to be the European Union (EU) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
Main importers of Guyana’s rice are Holland, Portugal and Jamaica. Exports to Jamaica recorded at the end of November were 49, 000 tonnes, the highest as the quantities have surpassed average exports over the past four years.  
The increased exports have enabled farmers, millers and exporters to earn more and in the coming year, focus will intensify on expansion of existing markets and sourcing of additional buyers. This is in response to ongoing activities that aims to increase production as a means of overcoming challenges currently facing the rice industry and to allow farmers to increase their incomes.
As a result of Government’s investments and interest in rice development, many farmers are pursuing re-cultivation of lands that were left undeveloped for several years while activities are underway to make the first crop of 2008 larger than usual.
The projected target for the first crop is 116, 700 tonnes while it is expected that 341, 662 tonnes will be achieved in the second crop. Various interventions will continue during the year to support achievements of these targets.
Significant investments will be made to upgrade the facilities at the Burma Rice Research Station, Region Five, to breed higher yielding varieties to enhance competition on the international market. Improved quality and quantity of seeds will also be pursued to support farmers’ activities.
Additionally, more technical and entrepreneurial assistance will be provided to farmers while more Farmers’ Training Schools will be set up across the country. Efforts will continue to be made with the Rice Producers Association (RPA) to reduce the impact of fertilizer cost to farmers.
Monitoring will continue to ensure that all millers, producers and exporters comply with the Rice Factories Act and other important regulation aimed at managing the sector more effectively. Another important activity to be pursued in 2008 is the widening of market intelligence and expanding of new and emerging markets such as Panama.
Although rice production did not meet its projected target of 2007 it was very close to the anticipated level. This is a result of irregular weather patters experienced in Region Five and Six since only 52 percent of the targeted acreage was cultivated in the West Coast/Berbice Region and 71 percent in East Berbice/Corentyne.
            Last year, rice production was 306, 828 tonnes as compared to 273, 237 tonnes in 2005. Exports for 2006 were 204, 296 tonnes which earned US$54.4M, reflecting an increase of more than US$8M over the previous year.  
            These improved performances are an indication that the rice industry is making a comeback after a period of severe difficulties, including the disastrous flooding in 2005 and inclement weather. Government has remained committed to investing in various interventions to ensure that the sector further develops, particularly since it employs approximately 12, 000 farmers directly and hundreds more indirectly.
            Rice contributes approximately 20 percent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and accounts for more than 12 percent of export earnings.   

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