Essequibo rice farmers say promised industry reforms still to take root

A combine at work at Paradise, Essequibo Coast reaping rice

Despite years of promised reforms, problems plaguing the rice industry remain the same, says Essequibo rice farmer Bhim Sain, whose family has been planting for over three generations.

“I work the land myself and I see the situation,” Sain, 69, told Stabroek News last weekend.

“Crop done, you reap and GRDB [the Guyana Rice Development Board] say millers got the 42 day to pay. For some, the 42 days does come and does gone. Next crop, same thing,” he explained.