Region Two rice farmers express renewed confidence as Govt invests in industry

– $2B drying and storage facility under evaluation – Agri Minister

Rice farmers across Region Two (Pomeroon–Supenaam) are expressing renewed confidence as the Government continues to make major investments in the rice industry, boosting Essequibo’s position as one of Guyana’s leading agricultural hubs.
During an outreach held at the Anna Regina Secondary School on Saturday, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha reaffirmed the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government’s commitment to the rice sector, assuring farmers that their interests will always remain a national priority. He disclosed that over $838 million has already been channelled into Region Two to boost yields, reduce production costs, and sustain competitive prices. Minister Mustapha pointed out that assistance has been extended through the provision of fertiliser, chemicals, and transportation support to cushion the impact of rising global prices. The sector, he said, continues to show steady growth, with yields increasing from 5.5 to 6.5 tonnes per hectare. In 2024, Guyana recorded a historic 725,282 tonnes of rice, and production is projected to climb to 810,000 tonnes by 2025.

Responding to one of the farmers’ long-standing challenges, the Minister announced that the Government will invest $2 billion in the construction of a new drying and storage facility in Region Two.
The project, now under evaluation, will have the capacity to store up to three million bags of paddy significantly reducing delays at local mills and improving efficiency across the value chain. Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Madanlall Ramraj, also highlighted the collaboration between his Ministry and Agriculture to improve transportation logistics. He noted that more than 200,000 bags of paddy have been transported across the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara Harbour Bridge and via additional ferry services from Good Hope and the MV Hercules, ensuring timely movement of produce. Farmers across the region welcomed the continued support, noting that Government intervention has eased many of their operational burdens.
“When the Minister says the Government is standing with us, we can see the work happening,” one farmer from Dartmouth remarked.
Also attending the meeting were representatives from Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) among other regional officials.