Amid falling global prices: Over $252M in paddy subsidies distributed to 1300 Region 2 farmers 

Rice farmers from across Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) benefited on Friday as the Government continued the distribution of $300 per bag support cheques at the Anna Regina Town Council compound, a measure aimed at cushioning producers against declining global rice prices and ensuring sustainability within the sector.
Over 1300 farmers across the region stand to benefit from over $252 million in support.

The cheques, disbursed through the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), form part of a wider financial intervention by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration, which has seen billions of dollars injected directly into the pockets of farmers over the past two years.
Addressing the gathering, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha said the support being provided reflects the steady transformation of the agriculture sector since 2020, particularly in Region Two, where rice remains a major livelihood for thousands of families.
“We are seeing the profits of dooms are coming around,” the Minister said, noting that despite ongoing challenges, the sector is moving steadily in a direction that will secure farmers’ livelihoods and strengthen national food security.
“When you look from that period, from 2020 to 2025, you could have seen the transformation that has taken place in our country. Yes, we are not there yet where we want to be, but we are moving in the right direction. We are moving in a direction that will have an agriculture sector that will be resilient, strong, and one that very many of us will depend on for our livelihood,” Mustapha stated.
He explained that the $300 per bag support forms part of a series of interventions implemented when paddy prices began to decline, contrasting it with previous periods when farmers were left to absorb losses on their own. According to the Minister, during 2018 and 2019, rice prices fell to as low as $1900 per bag without any meaningful state support, a situation that severely affected rice producers nationwide.
Unlike that period, Minister Mustapha said the current Administration acted decisively in 2024 by engaging millers, adjusting export-related policies and absorbing significant financial losses to ensure that farmers received better prices for their paddy. He pointed out that the removal of export commissions alone resulted in the Government forgoing approximately $600 million, all in an effort to stabilise prices at the farmgate level.
The Agriculture Minister revealed that for the first crop of 2025, the initial $300 per bag contribution amounted to about $2 billion in direct support, while the current crop represents a further $2.1 billion. This brings total direct cash assistance to rice farmers to more than $4.1 billion, excluding additional fertiliser subsidies and infrastructural investments.
He added that fertiliser support has also been increased following consultations with farmers, with producers now receiving one bag per acre, an intervention valued at approximately $2 billion. When combined, these measures represent more than $6.1 billion in direct assistance to rice farmers.
“This might look small when you come to collect a cheque, but none of the Governments will do this. None,” Mustapha said, as he underscored the significance of the support being handed over at the Anna Regina Town Council compound.

Beyond financial assistance
Beyond financial assistance, the Minister highlighted ongoing works in Region Two, including the rehabilitation of farm-to-market roads, improvements to drainage and irrigation systems, and upgrades to pump stations and canals. He also outlined plans to expand rice cultivation on the Essequibo Coast, establish a modern paddy seed facility in Anna Regina, and introduce machinery clusters to reduce production costs for farmers.
Mustapha further noted that efforts are underway to secure new export markets, expand storage capacity to prevent farmers from selling paddy at depressed prices, and promote value-added rice products and agro-processing. He also reminded farmers that the agriculture insurance programme launched on the Essequibo Coast is now active for the current crop.
Reaffirming the importance of agriculture to Guyana’s long-term development, the Minister said the sector will remain the backbone of the economy, even as the country continues to develop other industries.

Gratitude
Farmers expressed their gratitude to the Government for the initiative, noting that the financial support will significantly ease the burden on them.
Farmer Shivcharran Singh said the cheque would go a long way in covering operational costs.
“This support will help me pay the combine operator and tractor work that was done on my farm. I truly appreciate the Government for this assistance,” he stated.
Similarly, farmer Surindra Persaud expressed relief at receiving the cheque.
“Farming is not easy, and with the cost of inputs rising every year, this $300 per bag support helps us manage expenses and sustain our livelihood. I am grateful.” Persaud said.
Another beneficiary, Indira Rambarran, highlighted the direct impact of the support on her family.
“This contribution allows me to cover labour and fertiliser costs for my rice field. It makes a real difference in ensuring that we can continue farming successfully,” she added.
Also attending the distribution exercise were Minister within the Public Works Ministry Mandalall Ramraj, Director General Sonia Latchman, Regional Chairman Devin Mohan, Regional Vice Chairman Humace Oodit, and representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, GRDB, and NAREI, among other officials.