GRDB denies inaction to tackle Region 2 paddy bug infestation

– says “actively” working to eradicate problem

The Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) is denying reports of its non-involvement in efforts to rid rice crops in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) of the bout of paddy bug infestations.
Farmers in Region Two had complained bitterly to Guyana Times of having to spray their rice crops more than usual as a result of the high infestation of paddy bugs invading acres of rice lands, and that no assistance has been forthcoming from the GRBD despite many reports made.

A farmer spraying his rice field
A farmer spraying his rice field

However, in a statement on Wednesday, the GRDB noted that its officials have been working round-the-clock with rice farmers to tackle the recent infestation.
“Intense visits to fields were conducted by extension officers of the GRDB, apart from a daily monitoring of the paddy bug to ensure that the situation remains under control,” the agency stated.
In addition, it was noted that Agriculture Minister Noel Holder had also talked about some of the work embarked upon by the GRDB to ensure that the situation is rectified.
“We have been working assiduously to ensure that the issue of paddy bugs doesn’t get out of control and for the media to say we have not been working with farmers is absurd. In fact, intense visits by the extension staff and meeting with farmers to advise them on the correct methodologies in controlling the bug were also done,” the Minister said.
Mention was also made of an advisory that was placed on the local television station on the current situation from July 29 to August 4, while outreach meetings were held in the different districts so as to better sensitise farmers of the situation and the best practice for control.
These areas include Spring Garden, Vilvoorden, Johanna Cecilia, Golden Fleece, Perseverance, Queenstown, Affiance, Three Friends, Reliance, Lima, Sparta and Hampton Court.
“During the meetings, the importance of regular monitoring of fields, especially when the crop is in the flowering stage, grain filling and ripening stages were discussed,” the Agriculture Minister noted.
However, several rice farmers who spoke with this newspaper vented their frustrations, relating that harvesting will soon commence and there is no help.
They related that under the previous Government, several paddy bug seminars and demonstrations were conducted; however, they explained this has not happened for quite some time. The infestation has caused rice farmers to spend extra on their crop.
The farmers said they are quite worried and if the infestation continues, then their harvest will be affected. One rice farmer also attested that no one has visited his field or given any advice as it relates to paddy bugs.
“Whatever little knowledge I learnt from the past, that’s what I am practicing,” the farmer related.