By Marvin Cato | HGP Nightly News |
Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha on Wednesday led a government team to Region Five to distribute promised financial assistance to rice farmers, as part of ongoing efforts to stabilise and strengthen the rice industry.
More than $480.5 million in financial support was disbursed to 1,618 rice farmers across the region, with beneficiaries receiving $300 per bag of paddy sold to mills. The initiative is intended to help offset rising production costs and provide income support during a challenging period for the sector.
Addressing farmers, Minister Mustapha said the assistance forms part of a broader package of interventions aimed at sustaining rice production. He noted that, in addition to direct cash support, the government has been investing in farm-to-market roads, drainage and irrigation works, and other infrastructure projects critical to the long-term viability of the industry.
The minister explained that rice farmers faced significant challenges during the most recent production quarter, including declining global rice prices, flooding, and inadequate storage facilities. He said the financial relief is designed to cushion farmers against these pressures while ensuring continued production.
According to Mustapha, the Region Five distribution is part of a wider national programme representing a total government investment of approximately $2.1 billion. The programme, he said, is focused on sustaining rice production, strengthening food security, and reinforcing the resilience of one of Guyana’s most important agricultural sectors.
Farmers welcomed the support, noting that timely assistance is critical to maintaining operations and preparing for future planting seasons as the industry navigates both local and global challenges.
