AGRICULTURE Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, has moved swiftly to address mounting anxieties among rice farmers whose crops face serious threats from adverse weather conditions, convening an urgent meeting to reassure farmers and outline the government’s response measures.
The minister’s engagement formed part of a broader pattern of proactive outreach by the Ministry of Agriculture, which has consistently prioritised direct consultation with farming communities in times of crisis.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Mustapha drew attention to the landmark UPL Crop Insurance Scheme, a first-of-its-kind initiative for the Caribbean, developed in collaboration with UPL Costa Rica, Philip Morris International, and the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), and underscored its significance in the current climate.
Registered farmers under the scheme will be eligible for compensation in the event of crop losses arising from extreme weather events such as flooding and drought, providing a critical financial safety net at no premium cost to the farmer.
“From now, you will be covered,” the minister told farmers, reaffirming that over 5,600 rice farmers have already enrolled in the programme.
Beyond financial protection, Minister Mustapha said that the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) are taking active, on-the-ground measures to safeguard acreage under threat.
The minister has called on all responsible agencies to intensify monitoring of drainage infrastructure, with special teams of engineers and technical personnel deployed nationwide to ensure that sluices, pumps, and canals remain fully operational.
“We are closely monitoring the water levels and infrastructure to protect as much acreage as possible,” the minister said, as drainage systems continue to be assessed amid significant rainfall and water accumulation affecting agricultural lands across several regions.
Reaffirming the government’s unwavering solidarity with the farming community, Minister Mustapha told the gathering that the administration is committed to ensuring farmers have the resources and support needed to navigate this difficult period.
“Our rice farmers will never be neglected by this government,” the minister reiterated, pledging continued investment in infrastructure, technology, and farmer welfare.
© Copyright 2025 The SSResource Media.
All rights reserved.