GRDB’s facilitating fertiliser on credit system

Farmers are now able to access fertiliser and repay the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) at the end of each crop following the recent decision of the Board of Directors to afford farmers throughout the rice growing regions, access to fertiliser on a credit system.

GRDB General Manager Allison Peters, in an invited comment, indicated that the decision came in response to the need for assistance to the farming community. Peters highlighted the importance of such an implementation in light of escalating fertiliser prices in recent times, which undoubtedly had a negative impact on production and productivity.

Consequently, 3675 bags of fertiliser have been sold in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and 1013 in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) at a cost of $5500 per bag. Moreover, the Board is presently looking at incorporating a transportation plan to get the fertiliser to farmers in the Pomeroon-Supenaam district.

“There is no limit to the amount of fertiliser farmers can request. However, we are targeting rice farmers with the aim of ensuring that they not only have access to the commodity, but also with a view to ensuring that production levels continue to climb,” Peters stated.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder pointed out that the industry could expect similar moves in the not-too distant future, as the Ministry would continue to look at ways in which it could assist farmers. He emphasised that there has been a significant reduction in the cost of fertilisers provided by the Private Sector, since the implementation of the “fertiliser on credit” system.

Minister Holder disclosed that the Board has been exploring ways in which agriculture could be sustained in Guyana through a cost-effective approach while assisting farmers. He underscored the need to improve productivity, while noting that improved management practices, seed rates, sowing methods, and disease management must be addressed for this to be achieved.