Rice farmers in Region Three began receiving more than $201 million in cash grants as the government fulfilled a commitment made by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali to help reduce production costs and strengthen the rice industry.
The distribution exercise, held at the Leonora Track and Field Centre on Tuesday, will benefit 560 farmers cultivating 15,636 acres of rice.
Farmers cultivating 50 acres or less are receiving $15,000 per acre, while those cultivating more than 50 acres are receiving $10,000 per acre, representing a total payout of $201.7 million for the region.
Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha said the initiative reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to supporting rice farmers and honouring the promises made to the sector.
He emphasised that the $2.763 billion national cash grant programme is another demonstration of the government’s people-centred approach, providing direct financial support to help farmers offset rising production costs while increasing disposable income.
“We are here again to deliver on another commitment to you, the farmers. We will continue to support the rice industry because we recognise the important role you play in ensuring food security and driving Guyana’s agricultural development,” Minister Mustapha stated.
He highlighted the government’s continued financial assistance to farmers, including fertiliser support, and the waiving of export commissions to ensure millers could offer improved prices.
Addressing the farmers, Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture Vikash Ramkissoon reminded them that they have also benefited from major investments in drainage and irrigation, rehabilitation of farm-to-market roads, improved transportation services and increased mechanisation.