VP promises to engage stakeholders to address Region 2 paddy crisis

As thousands of bags of paddy remain unharvested in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) due to issues with millers, Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo has taken swift action by engaging farmers, millers, commercial banks, and the Minister of Finance in a high-level discussion aimed at providing urgent relief to rice farmers, who are under growing pressure.

The VP Jagdeo has assured rice farmers that he will meet with them directly—alongside millers and commercial banks—to address the issue of high interest rates, which he noted is one of the main reasons millers are unable to accept more intake of paddy, and pay farmers promptly.
This financial bottleneck, he explained, has resulted in some millers refusing to accept paddy, putting farmers at risk of severe losses. He gave the commitment that efforts will be made to ensure that the remaining 75,000 bags of paddy in the fields will be reaped and bought over, so that farmers are not disadvantaged. He stressed the Government’s intention to ensure a smooth and fair process for farmers during this time of high yield and high production.
“We’re not here for talk… we’re here to work through a problem and find solutions. Farmers are waiting, and time is not on our side,” Jagdeo told the millers, some of whom expressed frustration about storage constraints and lack of financial flexibility.

“This is maximum timeline. You’ll get all the support from Government—whether it’s logistics, shipping, or otherwise. That’s why we’re making vessels available to help move the paddy quickly,” he added.
One of the key proposals raised by millers was access to low-interest financing. Many said they were willing to increase purchasing volumes if affordable capital was made available.
In response, VP Jagdeo committed to engaging banks and the Ministry of Finance on Monday to explore viable credit solutions.
“We will meet with all the banks, the Minister of Finance, and structure something. If interest rates are the issue, let’s work to ease that burden,” Jagdeo assured.
Meanwhile, the VP will instruct the Minister of Agriculture to revisit the affected farmers directly, ensuring that their concerns are heard and addressed, while administrative decisions are being made.
“We cannot make decisions in isolation. The Minister of Agriculture will meet with the farmers on the ground, and we’ll factor their realities into every step we take,” Jagdeo stated.
Among the logistical concerns raised was the capacity of certain locations. Nazeemul Hahk, a miller from the Golden Fleece Rice Mills, indicated that their Golden Fleece and Vilvoorden locations are already operating at maximum intake levels, and that it would not be feasible to divert additional paddy to their Paradise facility.
Additionally, Tamesh Jagmohan highlighted that they’re milling as fast as possible, but the system remains clogged due to a surplus of 180,000 bags carried over from the last crop, caused by a downturn in global rice prices. Most mills are operating near full capacity—some with only 50,000 bags of available storage space.
Still, Jagdeo remained firm that the Government would not allow farmers’ investments and efforts to be lost. He stressed the importance of accountability, transparency, and commitment from all stakeholders.
“If you cannot take more, say so now. Don’t let the farmers suffer. We have to be honest, strategic, and quick,” he urged.
Also attending the meeting were Director General Ricky Ramraj, Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva, Regional Chairman Humace Oodit, representatives from the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NARIE) and the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), among other regional officials.