Agriculture Minister: Rice farmers’ interests at heart as negotiations continue for higher prices

The government has reaffirmed its commitment to securing higher prices for rice farmers as it continues negotiations with millers, amid challenging conditions in the global rice market.

Speaking at a recent public forum in Burma, Mahaicony, Region Five, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha provided an update on discussions with rice millers regarding paddy prices.

“We want the farmers to enjoy the highest price. And you know that yourself because you know that we have made contributions and we have tried our utmost to ensure that,” Mustapha said.

He added that he will continue meeting with the Rice Millers Association and other stakeholders in the coming days to push for further increases.

Current prices vary across regions. In Region Six, some millers are paying between $2,800 and $3,000 per bag, while in other areas, prices remain around $2,300.

“I’m working with them. I’m constantly meeting with them. I’m hoping in the coming days I’ll meet again with the Rice Millers Association,” Mustapha said.

He acknowledged pressures from the global market, noting that worldwide rice prices have declined sharply.

“India alone has dumped almost 20 million tonnes of rice on the world market. We hardly produce; we can’t meet a million yet. We are trying to meet 800,000 this year,” he said.

Despite these challenges, the government has pledged continued support for farmers through subsidies, improved yields, and ongoing communication.

“The farmers today, for the first time, we have seen we never turn our backs against the farmers. We never close the door on the farmers, but we will continue to fight for the increased rice prices for the farmers, we will support and continue to do that,” Mustapha said.

The minister also highlighted efforts to implement the President’s rice integrated system, aimed at strengthening the industry and ensuring sustainable increases in paddy prices.

The next round of discussions will include the Ministry of Agriculture, the GRDB, the Rice Millers Association, and the Guyana Rice Exporters and Millers Association (GREMA).