HGP Nightly News – Rice farmers across Guyana will begin receiving subsidies next week, with the Ministry of Agriculture saying the payments are part of the government’s wider push to protect farmers and keep the rice industry steady amid global pressures.
The support follows a commitment made by President Irfaan Ali in April and will be issued through direct cash transfers.
“Following consultations with farmers, it was agreed that the assistance would be provided through direct cash transfers. Rice farmers cultivating 50 acres or less will receive $15,000 per acre, while those cultivating more than 50 acres will receive $10,000 per acre,” the Ministry said.
The Guyana Rice Development Board has since completed the registration and verification process for eligible farmers. Those checks were done after harvesting to ensure the payments are handled with transparency and accountability.
With the verification process now completed, payments are expected to start next week.
The initiative is expected to cost about $3 billion. According to the Ministry, it reflects the government’s commitment to “supporting the farmers, safeguarding their livelihoods and strengthening the country’s rice industry.”
More than 2,800 farmers in Regions Five and Six are among those expected to benefit. The Ministry said 1,387 farmers in Region Five and 1,484 farmers in Region Six have been verified for assistance.
Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha had earlier met with rice cultivation committees from the two regions to review the verification exercise and confirm that eligible farmers were properly identified.
“The government remains committed to working closely with our farmers to ensure that the rice sector continues to grow, remains competitive, and contributes to national food security, economic growth, and rural development,” the Ministry added.
