Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud on Wednesday said over 5000 rice farmers have benefited from the fertilizer voucher initiative that was implemented.

Persaud said 2, 147 vouchers were distributed in Region Two, 1, 032 in Region Three, 438 in Region Four, 861 in Region Five and 864 in Region Six. According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release the total value of the vouchers is $185M.

The Guyana Rice Development Board and the Rice Producers’ Association which are tasked with managing the distribution exercise are currently investigating complaints that have arisen about unequal distribution in some areas. The minister said that in some instances inaccurate information was given and this led to the need for verification and sometimes re-verification in ensuring even distribution. However, measures are being put in place to ensure that farmers who may have been overlooked benefit from the exercise.

Persaud said farmers do not have to be members of the RPA to receive vouchers. “Once you are a legitimate rice farmer, you are entitled,” he said.

According to GINA, President Bharrat Jagdeo had pledged $400M to assist the rice industry and the fertilizer voucher is one aspect of support funded from this sum. Farmers had also asked for drying facilities and it was agreed that 12 will be built.