Govt will always support rice farmers – Agri Minister

…reaffirms commitment, expands diversification push

Rice farmers on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), were assured of the Government’s continued commitment to the rice industry when Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha met with farmers on Tuesday at the Anna Regina Town Council to address concerns about support measures and outline plans aimed at diversifying the sector. During the meeting, Mustapha said the engagement followed concerns and misconceptions raised by farmers after President Dr Irfaan Ali recently announced assistance measures for rice farmers. The Minister explained that Government is seeking to ensure that the registration process is accurate so support can be distributed fairly and efficiently.

“There is some misconception in relation to what the President would have announced… and a number of farmers would have called me trying to clarify some of the criteria that are in use to register farmers so that we can ensure that we have an accurate list,” Mustapha said. The Agriculture Minister also outlined the investments made by Government in the rice industry over the years, including subsidies for fertiliser and agrochemicals, flood relief assistance, upgrades to drainage and irrigation systems and improvements to farm-to-market roads. According to Mustapha, rice production in Guyana has grown significantly over the last five years, increasing from about 500,000 tonnes in 2020 to more than 810,000 tonnes in 2025, marking the first time the country surpassed the 800,000-tonne threshold. “We have been increasing production over the last five years… from 500,000 tonnes to 810,000 tonnes in 2025. That’s a tremendous achievement for us,” he stated. The Minister further disclosed that approximately $832 million in drainage, irrigation and infrastructure works are planned or already ongoing in Region Two. These works include the desilting and excavation of canals, bridge rehabilitation and upgrades to farm-to-market roads. Mustapha said that while Government remains committed to rice production, there is also a need for farmers to diversify agricultural activities to expand income opportunities and improve the resilience of the sector.
“It’s important that we plan our future… we must look at different areas; how can we build more interest to increase opportunities in our income earnings?” he told farmers.

Integrated farming activities
As part of the diversification initiative, farmers are being encouraged to dedicate at least two acres of land to integrated farming activities such as onion, vegetable and coconut cultivation. The Minister pointed to the success of a pilot onion cultivation project in Region Nine, noting that locally grown onions are already being distributed to major supermarkets in Georgetown. He added that around 40 acres have already been identified along the Essequibo Coast for onion production.
“So this year we have decided that we will go into large scale because we want to produce all our onion needs. So we don’t want to import any onions again,” Mustapha explained. Government is also seeking to expand coconut cultivation through the use of high-yielding green dwarf coconut varieties imported from Brazil. Technical support for the initiative is expected from agencies including the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) and the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI). Despite the push for diversification, Mustapha stressed that Government is not shifting away from rice production but is seeking to make the industry more competitive, sustainable and profitable.
“The Government will never avoid rice. We will always support rice farmers. We will ensure that we expand the rice industry,” he said. The Minister also addressed concerns over outstanding payments owed to farmers by some rice millers, stating that the GRDB has been instructed to engage millers to ensure that affected farmers are paid promptly. He assured farmers that Government will continue investing in the agriculture sector while modernising farming practices and creating additional income-generating opportunities. “We have to modernise the sector; we have to make the sector more resilient and sustainable,” Mustapha stated. Also attending the meeting were Regional Chairperson Devin Mohan, Regional Vice-Chairman Humace Oodit, Director General Dhanesh Deonarine and other regional officials.

Manipulate the subsidy programme
Meanwhile, during a separate engagement with farmers at Auchlyne Primary School in Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) on Saturday last, Mustapha warned that police involvement could follow if rice farmers attempt to manipulate the Government’s newly announced subsidy programme by falsely dividing acreage among relatives in order to qualify for higher payments.
The Minister said concerns had emerged following President Ali’s announcement that farmers cultivating 50 acres or less would receive $15,000 per acre, while those cultivating more than 50 acres would receive $10,000 per acre as part of a multi-billion-dollar support package for the rice sector.
He explained that the GRDB already maintains records of acreage cultivated by rice farmers across the country and said the Government intends for the process to remain transparent and accountable. At another meeting in Black Bush Polder, Mustapha reportedly warned that law enforcement authorities could become involved if there are deliberate attempts to defraud the system. The Minister said the assistance programme is part of wider efforts to cushion the effects of declining paddy prices and rising input costs affecting the rice industry.
President Ali announced on April 30 that Government would provide $3 billion in support to rice farmers. Farmers cultivating 50 acres or less are expected to receive $15,000 per acre, while those cultivating more than 50 acres will receive $10,000 per acre. According to the President, the assistance is intended for farmers actively cultivating rice and not absentee landowners. The announcement was linked to rising input costs, shipping challenges, fuel and fertiliser pressures, and wider global disruptions affecting the rice sector.