Agriculture Minister: farmers to receive not less than $4,000 per bag of paddy this crop

After weeks of negotiations between President Dr. Irfaan Ali, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), and local rice millers, an official agreement was signed on Tuesday, ensuring that rice farmers will receive no less than $4,000 per bag of paddy for the first crop of 2025.

This announcement was made by Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, during a meeting with rice farmers from Mahaica.

During the meeting, Minister Mustapha informed the farmers that President Ali had engaged rice millers multiple times after concerns were raised about the prices being offered for paddy in the current crop.

“The President engaged the millers on several occasions to determine how we can work together to keep the price of paddy at a stable rate. The millers were initially reluctant to maintain the last crop’s price, citing influences from the world market price. However, today, we were finally able to reach an agreement ensuring that millers will not purchase farmers’ paddy for less than $4,000 per bag. This also means the government will have to make a contribution. We have done it before, and we will do it again. Like any responsible government, we are always working to bring relief to the people. Farmers know that this government, under the leadership of His Excellency, President Irfaan Ali, has and will always ensure they get a fair deal,” he stated.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali, during his address at the 55th Republic Anniversary Flag Raising Ceremony, highlighted that rice production has increased significantly and that the government has been investing heavily in infrastructure to support increased production and ease farmers’ burdens.

“Guyana’s agricultural sector has achieved significant milestones. Rice production has expanded, with more than 227,000 acres under cultivation, producing over 600,000 metric tonnes annually, supported by high-yield seed varieties. More than $70 billion has been invested in infrastructure to enhance production, increase yields, and reduce the burdens on our farmers. As a government, we will continue to assess global factors, including price fluctuations and market conditions, to ensure our farmers are not burdened by international trade changes,” President Ali stated.

Minister Mustapha also revealed that for the first crop of 2025, approximately 230,000 acres of land have been cultivated, with an estimated 9,000,000 bags of paddy expected to be harvested.

Additionally, he noted that rice production for this year is projected to reach 804,000 metric tonnes. (DPI)

A rice farmer makes at point at the meeting