Efforts are being made to develop new varieties of rice that will ensure high productivity in response to Guyana’s current climate conditions.

During an exchange visit and field day hosted by the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) and the Rice Producers Association (RPA) at Crane, West Coast Demerara, Region Three, Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud last Friday told rice farmers that, “There will be the development of new lines that will produce a variety of rice able to adapt to conditions to ensure that farmers achieve a high level of productivity and get the type of yield they desire to have their activities sustainable.”

Present at the meeting were the General Manager of the GRDB Jagnarine Singh, Regional Chairman Julius Faerber and farmers from the rice belt and other regions.

According to a GINA release, Government has also begun improving infrastructure, and advocating farming practices that could accommodate the current climatic conditions.

Minister Persaud said, “Current rainfall is affecting farmers’ ability to harvest. Farmers need to think of ways to respond to the weather conditions. There needs to be effective planning to maximize the days when there is dry weather.” Meanwhile, efforts are being made to improve the services of the rice industry, including the Burma Rice Research Station which is currently the main seed paddy producing facility in the country. Attention is being given to the reforming of the station and assistance has been sought from the Indian government and they have agreed to send a technical expert to review the operations at the station to ensure that the work being done is applicable to Guyana’s situation.

GINA said also that General Secretary of the RPA, Dharamkumar Seeraj noted that in addition to improvements in research there is also focus on productivity of farmers within the regions.