Govt slashes transport costs for Leguan rice farmers

The Government has agreed to new transportation subsidies for rice farmers on the island of Legaun, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara). Transportation costs have now been slashed by 38 per cent or from $1453 to $900. This was revealed by Minister within the Public Works Ministry Deodat Indar during a recent engagement with farmers. The reduced transportation costs reflect the Government’s commitment to assisting farmers with easing the economic hardship brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
It follows similar assistance given to some 80 rice farmers at Wakenaam. “They have calculated the cost that you transport the paddy at. I think when you add the truck driver cost and the freight to go and come back, it worked out to $1453 per tonne. So, we have reduced that to $900 per tonne. The same benefit that is enjoyed by farmers in Wakenaam will be enjoyed here,” Minister Indar related.

Indar assured that the Government will continue to engage the millers to ensure that the island’s 306 farmers receive substantial benefits from the initiative. Meanwhile, Regional Chairman Sheik Ayube in brief remarks said that the PPP/C Administration understands the importance of agriculture and has already committed to rescuing farmers from the strain they endured under the coalition Government.
The Transport and Harbours Department (THD) within the Public Works Ministry will facilitate the subsidy by allowing rice on both islands to be transported aboard one of its vessels. Several farmers were in high praise of the initiative. The relief for farmers is a result of a series of measures included in the 2021 budget. This year, $22.6 billion has been allocated to the agriculture sector.