Govt eyes new rice markets, farmers’ committee, tighter monitoring for drainage works

The Government is moving to strengthen oversight in the rice industry while also exploring new markets and boosting infrastructure to support farmers facing global challenges.

President Dr Irfaan Ali, speaking at a multi-Ministerial engagement with rice and private cane farmers at a press conference on Tuesday in Skeldon, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), announced that a farmers’ committee will be established to sign off on drainage works in key canals. This committee, he explained, will oversee the flushing of canals three times annually to ensure accountability and proper maintenance.
To complement this, a new monitoring system will be introduced across the country. Contractors engaged in drainage and irrigation projects will be required to install cameras on their machines, linked directly to the Office of Efficiency of the Ministry of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation.
The President also addressed concerns raised by farmers in Black Bush Polder about silted canals, stressing the need for modern methods, including amphibious excavators, to clear waterways without damaging road shoulders.
“So, we’re going to put that system in place. And what I want also, Zulfi, is a full monitoring system that we have spoken about for transport and harvest on all the main drainage canals across the country to be digitally uploaded – and in real time we can see all the canals across the country. And every contractor who is working now on these D&I projects, they have to install a camera on their machine that is linked to the Office of Efficiency so we can monitor what they are doing in the canals in real time and live. So, your office, Zulfi, Agriculture, D&I, and the Efficiency Office. So, any cntract that is given out now, they have to put that on so we can monitor what’s happening,” the President said.
At the same time, diversification will form a key part of the plan. The President revealed that discussions are underway to encourage farmers to dedicate one acre out of every ten to high-value alternatives, such as cage farming for crabs. He said Government support will be provided to establish processing plants to add value to these ventures.
“I’m going to bring in experts from around the world to see how in every ten acres we can convert one acre into an alternative crop. Whether we do cage farming for a crop which has high value and a big market, we can put a processing plant to do the crab meat. So for every ten acres of rice farm, we have to have one acre of high-yielding production. You agree with this? And we’re going to invest to help you to do this. That is what is called agribusiness diversification. And it’s important for you, for us, for your cash flow, and everything,” Ali said.
The President stressed the need for continuous dialogue between landowners, farmers, and millers. He assured farmers that over the next two weeks, the Government will continue to meet with all stakeholders to find workable solutions for the benefit of everyone involved.
Despite global challenges such as oversupply, falling prices, and delayed payments from key markets, the Government has already injected $2 billion into the industry to stabilise prices.
Additionally, the Government has also implemented several other key measures to support the rice sector, including the provision of $3.6B in fertiliser, flood relief, seed paddy, and crop insurance; The removal of VAT on machinery, equipment, and agrochemicals; The introduction of a zero-rated sales commission through the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) for 2025; and the negotiation of the settlement of the Panama payment of $1.5 billion dollars.