Over $403M distributed to Region 2 rice farmers as Govt fulfils cash grant promise

More than $403 million was distributed to rice farmers in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) on Saturday as the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government fulfilled a commitment made to the sector earlier this year, with President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali assuring farmers that his Administration will continue investing in initiatives to ensure the long-term viability and profitability of rice production.

The Region Two distribution formed part of a nationwide programme that benefited more than 5,100 rice farmers cultivating over 235,000 acres of rice across Guyana, with each farmer receiving $15,000 per acre.

Addressing hundreds of farmers during the distribution exercise held at the Anna Regina Town Council’s Compound, President Ali said the initiative was another demonstration that the Government continues to honour its promises.

“This is a Government you can trust. This is a Government that continues to work alongside you. This is a Government that has demonstrated respect to you,” the President declared.

He added that the PPP/C Administration has consistently stood by rice farmers through direct investments and policies aimed at strengthening the agriculture sector.

President Ali outlined several measures implemented since the Government returned to office, including the removal of VAT on electricity and water, the abolition of tolls at the Demerara Harbour Bridge, transportation support for paddy, expanded ferry services to the Essequibo Coast, and increased investments in drainage and irrigation infrastructure.

The President also announced a series of additional initiatives to further strengthen the rice industry, including the rehabilitation of farm access dams into all-weather roads, expansion of drainage and irrigation systems, the opening of new agricultural lands in Region Two, and the construction of a modern drying and storage facility.

“Today, we can say to you with great clarity that whatever agriculture initiative you have, this Government would back those initiatives,” he assured farmers.

In an effort to reduce production costs and address labour shortages, President Ali said the Government is exploring the use of drone technology to assist, especially small farmers, with fertiliser application and crop spraying.

He also encouraged crop diversification, noting that the Government is prepared to support farmers interested in onion cultivation, livestock production and other agricultural ventures to create additional sources of income.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha said the grant distribution reflected the Government’s commitment to delivering on promises made to farmers.

“Today is more than just a distribution of cash grant. Today is about trust, it is about accountability and, more importantly, it is about keeping a promise made to the people of our country,” Mustapha said.

The Agriculture Minister recalled that during consultations with rice farmers in April, President Ali listened to concerns about rising production costs and global market uncertainties before committing to the per-acre cash grant.

“He did not make excuses. He did not make promises for another day. He gave his commitment that the Government would stand with the rice farmers,” Mustapha stated.

According to the Minister, the agriculture sector has undergone an unprecedented transformation since 2020, with Guyana now leading CARICOM’s food security agenda.

He noted that rice production increased from approximately 550,000 tonnes in 2020 to 825,000 tonnes last year, while the first crop of 2026 has already produced approximately 414,000 tonnes, placing the industry on course to achieve another strong production year.

Mustapha added that the Government has consistently supported rice farmers through fertiliser assistance, improved market access, infrastructure investments and the strengthening of the Guyana Rice Development Board.

“This assistance recognises the important contribution of our rice farmers, and it helps to cushion the impact of rising production costs,” the Minister said.

He assured farmers that the PPP/C Government will continue investing in the sector, describing agriculture as one of the pillars of Guyana’s economic development and food security.