Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud challenged rice farmers to export their crop directly to Venezuela and reap more benefits from the opening of new market opportunities, at an outreach exercise held last Wednesday.
According to a Govern-ment Information Agency (GINA) press release, Persaud encouraged farmers at a field day activity “to exclude the millers and exporters and … receive better prices.” He also urged Mahaicony Rice Mill Limited (MRL) to hand over outstanding payments for paddy. He called on MRL to observe the rules and regulations under the Rice Factories Amend-ment Act, since its non-compliance will severely hamper the industry. He said farmers will continue to take action against the company if it fails to comply. “We do hope that with the favourable international markets, that millers will be punctual in payment as well as offer farmers better incentives. We will insist that the treatment meted out to farmers is not only in conformity with our laws but what is also fair for the industry,” he said.
According to GINA, Guyana’s rice industry has grown to such an extent that it now rates as the second most important agricultural industry. It makes use of modern technology and years of research and to ensure that this is maintained. Farmers participated in an exchange programme intended to share knowledge and experiences garnered over the years in successfully growing rice under different conditions, at Vereeniging, Cane Grove, Mahaica. They were encouraged to adapt to the six-point practice to showcase the benefits of improved crop management, improved production and higher yields, GINA said.
Persaud noted that the field day, which serves as a method to enhance extension service and better crop husbandry, has since proven to be effective in increasing productivity. He noted that in 2010, the country recorded its highest production and export despite climate change. Persaud also pointed out that despite global conditions, the sector can look towards another successful crop. “The six-point strategy can take the rice industry to another level in terms of its yields. We also found that this tested method in transferring knowledge has been very effective in Guyana and certainly that has contributed to the country’s success in rice,” Persaud said.
The six improved crop management practices are based on: time of planting, density of plant, treatment of seeds, weed control, fertilizer and water management. The regional administration was also told to ensure that dams are maintained at all times, in order to protect the rice harvest, and government assistance was again promised.
Following discussions, the minister, officials from the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), Rice Pro-ducers Association and farmers toured the Ramlakhan Narine rice fields. Narine has incorporated the GRDB 10 rice strain, which along with GRDB 9 was developed to withstand the effects of the extreme weather conditions for up to two weeks. So far, this strain has been showing improved results, GINA noted, while adding that the GRDB’s scientists are currently working to develop four other strains.
