-Persaud

Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud has tasked the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) with ensuring that Mahaicony Rice Limited (MRL) pays farmers for the current crop.

According to a press release Persaud handed down the order after the Guyana Rice Producers Association asked him to intervene after its discussions with MRL. The Association has been given assurances from the bankers associated with MRL that resources have been allocated for this crop to ensure payment to farmers.

Proceeds from the sale of cargo rice worth US$3,000,000 will be used to offset outstanding payments to farmers for the last crop which will start next week and continue over a five-week period.

Further, the Association said it will continue to work with rice farmers to ensure that they are given compensation for their produce when delivered to rice mills. Persaud has also mandated the GRDB to interact with farmers to discuss possible issues relating to payment and cultivation of the current crop.

Last year, farmers had experienced difficulty getting payments from MRL and millions were outstanding for a significant part of the year.