Region 2 rice farmers complain about weight, grading issues
Several rice farmers in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) have vented their concerns over the grading and weight penalty that have been imposed by millers along the Essequibo Coast, Region Two. As such, millers are calling on the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) to launch an investigation into claims rice farmers were being ripped off.
Currently, most rice millers are making cash payments for paddy, but even as this is happening, farmers alleged that millers were profiteering through their weight
A rice farmer offloading paddy into a trailer
system. Rice farmers have complained that often they are told that their paddy has too much moisture and dockage and as such, they often get less money.
“This is really not fair; then high moisture and dockage content imposed by millers are robbing us. Rice farmers are honest people; they do an honest living to provide for their family. We take our harvest to millers and cannot be compensated for the quality. Is this fair???” a rice farmer queried.
Guyana Times understands that some millers are not following the grading procedure when it comes to purchasing paddy from rice farmers. Information revealed that some millers are buying from 160 pounds, flouting the GRDB grading procedure. If the procedure is adhered to, then the same weight per bag would be below the 160 pounds hence rice farmers would earn more.
During a visit to a rice mill on Thursday, Government Councillor Naitram, who is also a representative to the GRDB Board, related that he has received several complaints in relation to the weight issues. As such, the Bureau of Statistics ,as well as the GRDB, has increased visits to various mills. Naitram said he hoped that would solve the problems and rice farmers would be given the right prices for their harvest.
Meanwhile, farmers at the various mills said that millers continued to rip them off and those in authority were not protecting their rights.
They have questioned what the GRDB is doing to represent their interest.
Farmers are, therefore, calling on the GRDB to increase inspections at mills and to examine millers’ specifications in terms of weight and grading. Harvesting commenced in March along the coast and already many fields have been cleared. Truckloads of paddy are parked in front of various mills waiting to be discharged. The prices range from $1800 to $2300. (Indrawattie Natram)
