The first shipment of paddy, which was expected to leave Guyana for Venezuela several weeks ago under the US$18.1M rice purchase agreement, will now be leaving for the neighbouring country during the course of this week.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, arrangements are currently being finalized for the 400 tonnes shipment of rice, which was originally expected to be shipped since the first week in November. Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud told Stabroek News last week that the first shipment of paddy was expected to leave for Venezuela last weekend. No explanation has been forthcoming from officials for the delay in shipment.

Under the agreement exports were expected to start during the first week in November and be completed by the first week in February.

Guyana and  Venezuela inked the US$18.8M($3.7B) rice purchase agreement on October 21. The agreement would see some 50,000 tonnes of paddy and rice being supplied to that country in the next few months at a price higher than current export prices. Concerns had been raised on how the Venezuela deal would affect Guyana’s ability to supply other markets, the Jamaican market in particular. However, Minister Persaud when questioned on the subject recently assured that even if Jamaica purchases its full 60,000 tonnes this year, there will still be enough for Venezuela and other markets.