Rice farmers across Guyana will begin receiving subsidies next week, as announced by the Ministry of Agriculture. This initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to support farmers and stabilize the rice industry in light of global pressures. The subsidies follow a commitment made by President Irfaan Ali in April and will be distributed through direct cash transfers.
According to the Ministry, after consultations with farmers, it was decided that assistance would be provided via direct cash transfers. Farmers cultivating 50 acres or less will receive $15,000 per acre, while those cultivating more than 50 acres will receive $10,000 per acre. The Guyana Rice Development Board has completed the registration and verification process for eligible farmers, which was conducted after the harvesting season to ensure transparency and accountability in the payment process.
With the verification process now finalized, payments are anticipated to commence next week. The total cost of this initiative is expected to be around $3 billion. The Ministry emphasized that this program reflects the government’s commitment to supporting farmers, safeguarding their livelihoods, and strengthening the rice industry in the country.
More than 2,800 farmers in Regions Five and Six are expected to benefit from the subsidies. Specifically, 1,387 farmers in Region Five and 1,484 farmers in Region Six have been verified for assistance. Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha previously met with rice cultivation committees from both regions to review the verification process and ensure that eligible farmers were accurately identified.
The Ministry reiterated the government’s commitment to collaborating closely with farmers to ensure the growth and competitiveness of the rice sector, which is crucial for national food security, economic growth, and rural development.
Source: hgptv.com
