In a major push towards securing the livelihoods of rice farmers across Guyana, President Irfaan Ali on Tuesday officially launched Guyana’s first-ever crop insurance programme for rice farmers.
A section of the gathering at the launching of Guyana’s first-ever crop insurance programme for rice farmers at the Anna Regina Secondary School, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam)
The launch, held at the Anna Regina Secondary School, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), saw the announcement of free agricultural insurance coverage for 6000 rice farmers across Guyana, particularly those most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, floods, and extreme weather patterns. The coverage will span an initial three-year period, completely free of cost to the farmers.
“For years we have talked about crop insurance, but little traction was made until now. That is what makes today so historic. This programme is not just relief; it is a lifeline,” President Ali said.
President Ali emphasised that the crop insurance programme is a result of a unique partnership between the Government of Guyana, UPL Costa Rica, and Philip Morris International (PMI).
This agreement among the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), UPL, and PMI has resulted in a product that will support rice farmers who are most exposed to climate risks… What you’re getting today, farmers around the world are longing for. But you can lose all of this in the blink of an eye if you do not do what is right for your families, your communities, and your country,” the head of state said.
Ali acknowledged that the increasing threats of floods, droughts, and other external shocks have pushed many farmers to the brink, with little to no protection against total crop loss.
“We all know the pain associated with crop failure. We’ve seen it with floods, with pest infestations, with erratic weather, and we’ve seen what it does to your finances and to your ability to recover. This insurance is here to break that cycle,” he said.
He singled out communities like Hampton Court, Devonshire Castle, and Walton Hall in Region Two, whose farmers have frequently suffered from flooding and harvest loss.
“To those farmers, this programme is not a promise; it is a guarantee. It is the protection you deserve,” the president declared.
Climate-smart, technology-driven, and people-focused
The crop insurance initiative is part of the Government’s broader agricultural vision, which President Ali described as climate-smart, technology-driven, and people-focused.
“We’re not building this food sector halfway. We’re going all in investing in research, in drone technology, in high-yielding rice varieties, and now in comprehensive risk management tools like crop insurance,” he asserted.
Ali challenged the banking sector to take note of the reduced risk this insurance brings and to lower lending costs for farmers accordingly.
“With this insurance, the risk is reduced. And the cost of lending to farmers must reduce. That is non-negotiable. No more 7 to 8 per cent interest. Our farmers must be able to borrow at three-point five per cent, and the Government will subsidise the rest to zero per cent,” he stated.
Consistent support
Ali used the launch to outline his Government’s consistent support for the rice industry over the past four years, which includes the removal of VAT on fuel, agrochemicals, machinery, and equipment. $1.5 billion settlement with Panama to recover payments to Guyanese farmers, $3.6 billion in support for fertiliser, flood relief, and seed quality, and $2 billion planned for 2025 in continued fertiliser assistance and the construction of nine drying floors in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, and Six.
He added that ongoing rice research, with new GRDB varieties yielding up to nine tonnes per hectare, free ferry transportation of paddy for 1500 Region Two farmers and Government purchase of 71,000 bags of paddy at GY$4000 per bag.
“These are not just policies. They are real investments in your lives and communities. This is what a Government that cares looks like,” he told the crowd.
Looking ahead, President Ali spoke about plans to implement a pilot of innovative rice farming systems, including modern drone technology and eco-friendly practices to protect the environment.
“By the first crop of 2026, we want complete drone application from fertilisation to pesticide spraying. And we’re going to support the farmers by grouping them into clusters, giving them the tools and logistics to reduce costs and increase returns,” he explained.
He added that UPL and PMI would work closely with GRDB and the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure farmers benefit from smart infrastructure, shared equipment, and supply chain optimisation.
“It makes no sense for 100 farmers to all drive to Georgetown to buy the same inputs. We will bring the system to you… You’ve seen the difference. You’ve felt the results. You know who is standing by you in good times and in hard times,” he said.
Global agricultural solutions
Also speaking at the launch of Guyana’s first-ever crop insurance programme for rice farmers was Jai Shroff, the Global CEO and Chairman of UPL, a global agricultural solutions leader headquartered in India.
Shroff, who travelled from India to attend the launch, described the initiative as both historic and visionary, praising President Mohamed Irfaan Ali for his relentless commitment to agriculture and food security.
“UPL operates in about 140 countries globally. And I must say, I’ve met very few presidents as relentlessly focused on agriculture as President Ali. He didn’t talk to me about oil or wealth; he talked only about farmers and food,” Shroff said.
UPL is a global leader in sustainable agricultural solutions, with over 14,000 product registrations, a presence in nearly 140 countries, and access to 90 per cent of the world’s food basket. The company records annual revenue exceeding US$6 billion.
Shroff shared that UPL, with its advanced technologies, is deeply focused on building resilience for smallholder farmers, especially those affected by climate shocks like floods, droughts, and erratic weather.
“No community is more affected by climate change than farmers. Our mission is to make farmers more resilient, more profitable, and better supported through science and innovation,” he told the audience.
He noted that UPL invests nearly US$400 million annually in agricultural research, with a focus on financial inclusion for farmers who are often excluded from mainstream banking and lending due to high risk.
One of the flagship technologies now being rolled out in Guyana is ‘Weatherlist’, a platform developed by UPL to assess climate-related risks in real-time using satellite data, weather stations, and ground-level inputs.
“Using this system, within seven days of a climate event, we can deliver pay-outs directly to affected farmers, ensuring they don’t fall into financial ruin after a flood or drought,” Shroff said.
Shroff emphasised UPL’s long-term commitment to Guyana and to expanding the programme from rice to other crops, working closely with the Government and the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB).
“We are committed to helping rice farmers here and scaling this project across other crops. There’s no reason why Guyana, with its rivers, rainfall, and fertile land, cannot become the region’s agricultural powerhouse,” he said.
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, in his remarks, said that this insurance initiative builds on the foundation already laid by Government investments in drainage and irrigation infrastructure, farm-to-market roads, and the development of new rice varieties. Over the past four years, the Government has invested over $7.9 billion – approximately 81 per cent of its agricultural capital budget in the region – in these critical public goods. The remaining funds have supported advancements in crops, fisheries, and livestock, with the overall aim of modernising the agricultural value chain.
“This is a historic day for Guyana. For the first time, we have a safety net – not just promises, but action. Today, we say to our farmers, We see you, we value you, and we are standing with you,” he said.
Also attending the launching were Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva, representatives from GRDB, representatives from NARIE, among other regional officials.
