Rice Farmers in Region Two are still hoping that the prices for paddy would be increased as rice harvesting is in full swing in Region Two.
So far according to information provided by the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), 720 acres have been harvested. Farmers harvested from several communities, Golden Fleece, Abram Zuil, and Colombia.
This newspaper caught up with a few farmers in the rice fields recently and all voiced the need for higher prices.
One large-scale farmer, Rakesh Ramdeo, of Colombia, said that he is cultivating 220 acres of rice lands. He reported that he is taking his paddy to Imam Bacchus and Golden Fleece Rice Investment (GFRI). The farmer also mentioned that the millers are paying $3,700 for extra A grade paddy.
The rice farmer related that many farmers are not getting extra A and are therefore receiving lower prices, which cannot offset their expenses.
Another rice farmer who spoke with this newspaper said that he took his paddy to Imam Bacchus and was given a price of $3,600 however he was also told that should the price increase the farmers will receive an increase.
“Is every crop is the same thing… this is the life of the farmer always,” another rice farmer related.
The farmers called on Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha to visit the region and have a meeting with millers. Rice farmers are hoping that millers will increase their price for paddy. Most of them have loans at the bank.
When asked how helpful the government’s fertilizer subsidy has been, farmers said that they will be using the subsidy for the crop when they’re-planting after harvesting. Most of them said that they have to go to the millers for the fertilizer but it will help them to save a few extra dollars.
Over 32,141 acres of rice lands were cultivated in the Pomeroon-Supenaam region with rice. Field staff from the GRDB are currently in the fields and at the various rice mills monitoring.
