RICE farmers across Region Two are being encouraged to embrace integrated farming as the Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Agriculture, moves to strengthen the agriculture sector, while creating additional income opportunities for farmers.
This call was made by Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, during a special meeting with rice farmers held at the Anna Regina Town Council on Tuesday, where scores of farmers gathered to discuss the future of the rice industry and ongoing government support.
Minister Mustapha assured farmers that the government remains firmly committed to the rice industry and will continue making investments to improve productivity, increase yields, and provide better varieties for cultivation.
“We will never do away with rice,” the minister declared. “Rice remains one of the main economic activities in Guyana, and we will continue to invest heavily to make the industry more competitive and sustainable.”
However, while emphasising the importance of rice production, the minister encouraged farmers to think beyond a single source of income by adopting integrated farming practices. He urged farmers to set aside at least two acres of their land for diversification projects such as onion cultivation, shrimp production, and high-value crops.
“We want farmers to create more opportunities for themselves and their families,” he said. “Agriculture must not only depend on one crop. Integrated farming can help increase income earnings and improve livelihoods.”
The minister disclosed that government agencies, including the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) and the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), will work closely with farmers to improve yields and provide technical support for diversification projects.
Among the diversification initiatives highlighted was onion cultivation, which the government hopes to significantly expand.
Minister Mustapha revealed that 40 acres have already been identified to begin cultivation, with plans to expand to nearly 300 acres in the future.
“We already have ready markets available,” he explained. “The government wants to develop an integrated farming approach where farmers can earn from multiple agricultural activities.”
The Agriculture Minister also spoke extensively about the billions of dollars invested in the rice sector over the years. He noted that Guyana’s rice production has increased dramatically from approximately 500,000 tonnes to more than 800,000 tonnes due to continued government intervention and support.
He pointed to major investments in farm-to-market roads, drainage and irrigation systems, fertiliser support, and other direct inputs to farmers aimed at reducing production costs and improving competitiveness.
According to Minister Mustapha, some 232,000 acres are currently under cultivation, with significant improvements in yields being recorded across the country. He also announced that the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) will undertake approximately $32 million in additional works to improve farm-to-market access roads in farming communities.
Further support is also being rolled out for rice farmers through direct cash assistance. The minister announced that farmers cultivating 50 acres and above will receive $10,000 per acre, while farmers cultivating below 50 acres will receive $15,000 per acre.
He explained that registration for the assistance programme is currently ongoing and will be followed by a verification process using GRDB’s cultivation database to ensure transparency and accountability.
“A committee has already been established to verify the lists in the various communities,” Minister Mustapha said, while cautioning persons against attempting to manipulate the system.
The minister also acknowledged concerns raised by some farmers regarding outstanding payments owed by millers but noted that assurances were given for farmers to be repaid.
Rice farmers commended the Government for such move in helping to cushion the rising cost.
“We are very thankful for such move and the assistance that Government will give” Ally Narine said.
Another farmer also said diversification was the way forward and he was happy for such intervention.
Attending the meeting was Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Dhaneshwar Deonarine; CEO NDIA, Lionel Wordsworth; Regional Chairman, Devin Mohan, along with other regional officials.
© Copyright 2025 The SSResource Media.
All rights reserved.