Investment in seed paddy facilities in Guyana is a boost to the rice industry

Dear Editor,
The rice industry in Guyana has been receiving significant attention from the Government in recent years. With the Ministry of Agriculture spearheading initiatives aimed at boosting productivity and ensuring the sustainability of rice cultivation, one of the most notable investments has been in seed paddy facilities.
This is something the Opposition had failed to do during their time in Government, and even in Opposition — making notable investments. These people were not interested in advancing and expanding the various sectors in agri.
As of 2024, the Government of Guyana has invested approximately GY$200 million in the development of seed paddy facilities across the country. This investment underscores the administration’s commitment to modernising the agriculture sector and enhancing the quality of rice production. The seed paddy facilities are crucial in ensuring that farmers have access to high-quality seeds, which in turn leads to better yields, improved resistance to diseases, and higher profitability for farmers.
The establishment of these facilities is a game-changer for the rice industry in Guyana. High-quality seed paddy is essential to improving the overall quality and quantity of rice production. With better seeds, farmers can achieve higher yields per hectare, which is critical, given the global challenges of climate change and the need for sustainable agricultural practices.
This investment also aligns with Government’s broader goal of increasing rice exports, which is vital for the economy, as rice is one of the leading exports.
On August 10, 2024, the Ministry of Agriculture commissioned a state-of-the-art seed paddy facility in Berbice, one of the most prominent rice-producing regions in Guyana. This facility, valued at approximately GY$50 million, is designed to process and store seed paddy that meets international standards. It is equipped with modern technology to ensure that the seeds produced are of the highest quality, which would directly benefit thousands of rice farmers in the region.
Commissioning of the Berbice facility marks a significant milestone in Government’s ongoing efforts to bolster the rice industry. Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has emphasized that this facility would play a crucial role in increasing the productivity and sustainability of rice farming in Guyana. The facility is expected to produce enough seed paddy to support over 15,000 hectares of rice fields annually, thereby ensuring the country’s rice industry remains competitive on the global stage.
It should be taken into account that when the Hon Zulfikar Mustapha took over the Ministry of Agriculture, he visited the facility in 2021 and had found it to be overgrown with vines and bush. The various pieces of equipment in the shell of the structure were seized up and rusted, with vines growing in and around them. The facility was in a miserable state because, the fact remains, it was left abandoned during the APNU/AFC term in government (2015-2020), when rice farmers and their needs were placed on the back burner.
The investment in seed paddy facilities by the Government of Guyana represents a forward-thinking approach to the development of agriculture. By focusing on the foundational aspect of seed quality, Government is setting the stage for long-term growth and sustainability in the rice industry. The recent commissioning of the Berbice facility is a testament to this commitment, and it is expected to have a lasting positive impact on rice production in Guyana.

Sincerely,
Fawaz Harry