APNU/AFC’s flawed rice deal: 29 farmers, 9 millers in Region 2 receive $437M in payments years later

After over six years of waiting, 29 farmers and 9 millers in Region Two, (Pomeroon-Supenaam) received $437 million owed to them from rice exported to the Panama market.
This payment forms part of the $1.5 billion recovered by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government to compensate farmers and millers affected by a flawed arrangement initiated in 2018 under the previous A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Administration.
The Panama rice market was initially established in 2014 under the PPP/C Government, however in 2018 under the APNU/AFC arrangement, payments from Panama were delayed, plunging local rice millers into financial turmoil. This failure not only left farmers unpaid but also forced some millers out of business entirely.
Speaking to the farmers and millers at the Regional Democratic Council’s (RDC) Boardroom on Saturday, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha underscored the Government’s dedication to addressing the issue and supporting the agricultural sector.

“This Government ensures that we take care of every citizen in Guyana. Small farmers who were denied this money nine years ago can now see justice, as the PPP/C Government ensures they receive their payments,” the Minister explained.
In addition, he stated that the Government has been fostering growth in the agricultural sector, making significant strides in expanding traditional crops such as rice, cash crops, and fruits.
He further noted that Essequibo Coast now boasts over 34,000 acres under cultivation, contributing to Guyana’s remarkable achievement of 725,000 tons of rice harvested despite the challenges posed by the devastating floods of 2020.
“After facing two devastating floods in 2020 we are proud to say that Essequibo here is now over 34,000 acres of cultivation and we are hoping to expand that.” Minister shared.
Mustapha also highlighted the construction of new bridges, farm-to-market roads, and sluices in the region to improve farmers’ access to their lands, reduce transportation costs, and protect crops from flooding, ensuring greater productivity and income.
Wazir Hussain, a rice miller and farmer, shared that he waited over six years for the payment owed to him, and today, he has finally received it.
“This payment brings great relief to me and my fellow farmers. We can now focus on continuing planting and expanding our production, knowing that we received our payments… it’s a long wait, and we finally get it… thanks to the Government, the Ministry of Agriculture and GRDB (Guyana Rice Development Board) for assisting us,” Hussain said
Also attending the handing over were representatives of GRDB, Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva, representatives from the Agriculture Ministry among other regional officials.