Reduced paddy prices: Increased Police presence quells protesting farmers

Rice farmers from the Black Bush Polder, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), who have been protesting over a reduction in the price being offered for their paddy by millers, on Friday gathered but did not take to the streets as Police presence heightened at Number 43 Village.

On Thursday the rice farmers took to the streets and in the process blocked the roads at Lesbeholden and Johanna, causing chaos in the Black Bush Polder community.
They were protesting over the reduction in the price being offered for their paddy by millers. The millers had reduced the price from $70,000 so $65,000 per tonne. The farmers met with the millers on Wednesday but there was no compromise from either side and they took the streets again on Thursday. Many of them came out in protest action on the Corentyne Highway at Number 43 Village which is one of the entrances to the four polders.
A few persons were arrested by Police officers for disorderly behaviour but were released from custody shortly afterwards.
On Friday Police increased their presence and only a few rice farmers had gathered at Number 43 Village.
According to one farmer, Barbara Felix, who cultivates 15 acres of land, they cannot sell the paddy for any price below $70,000 per tonne.
She called for a meeting with President Dr Irfaan Ali and rice farmers.
Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustafa is expected to meet with the farmers today.
The action by farmers to block the roadway on Thursday caused much inconvenience to persons in the area. Many were forced to park their vehicles and walk home. (G4)