Dear Editor,

Harvesting of the present rice crop has commenced in Region 2, some 31,500 acres are expected to be harvested without much difficulty. An average of 30 bags per acre has been targeted for this crop and the quality is very high , without any bug infes-

tation

The rice industry in Guyana is the most integrated of all sectors, it permeates the entire fabric of our country. It is integrated because each structure that serves the industry is interdependent on one another. Farmers depend heavily on the banks to provide them with the necessary loans and agro-input to produce paddy which will be processed by the millers for consumers, both locally and externally.

Guyana has been producing rice for more than one hundred years, rice is more than a staple diet for us, it has become a way of life for all Guyanese, in terms of food, employment, foreign exchange earnings, economic growth etc. The government of the day must not falter and allow this industry to collapse, it is therefore important for all stakeholders to work together to drive the industry forward, so it can benefit all Guyana.

What we need is a situation where everyone will be gainfully compensated for their hard work and labour, especially the poor rice farmers. There are many instances where farmers and small producers are exploited to the extent of extinction; but no one will gain from this if the industry collapses.

The General Secretary of the Guyana Rice Producers Association Mr Dharamkumar Seeraj, member of parliament, has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the agricultural sector and the rice industry in particular.

He grew up in a farming community and therefore has a good appreciation for the farmers and will champion the causes for the farmers and workers and will improve their quality of life if he is given the full support.

The R.P.A. has always been in the struggle for a fair deal for the rice farmers and representation must continue at all stages to save the industry.

Yours Faithfully,

Mohamed Khan

(former R.P.A.Extension

Officer)