The Ministry of Agriculture has launched the second major phase of its emergency agricultural relief program, distributing over $201.6 million to rice farmers in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara). This initiative was led by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha at the National Track and Field Centre in Leonora.
This financial intervention is part of a broader cash subsidy program, totaling between $2.763 billion and $3 billion, which was announced by President Irfaan Ali in late April. The program aims to support domestic farmers facing challenges from rising global fuel prices, fertilizer costs, and changing trade logistics.
Over 500 local farmers registered and passed through the Guyana Rice Development Board’s verification system, although many did not collect their financial documents on the distribution day. Uncollected checks will be returned to regional sub-offices for later collection.
Minister Mustapha emphasized the government’s commitment to fulfilling promises made to rice farmers, expressing confidence that these financial infusions will help national rice production exceed last year’s record of 825,000 tonnes by the end of 2026.
The financial relief is structured based on verified cultivation metrics: small-scale farmers (50 acres or less) receive $15,000 per acre, while larger commercial operations (over 50 acres) receive $10,000 per acre. In Region Three, 560 verified rice farmers cultivating 15,636 acres are benefiting from a regional allocation of $201,696,055.
Local rice farmers expressed relief over the timing of the cash grant, noting its importance for purchasing essential supplies and covering labor costs amid rising expenses. Farmers like Kevon John and Ramesh Hemjan thanked the government for the timely assistance, which they believe will significantly aid their operations.
This rollout follows a previous distribution in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), where over $403 million was allocated to 1,301 verified producers. Additional distribution teams are preparing to assist farmers in Regions Five and Six, as the government aims to protect Guyana’s agricultural sector from international market fluctuations and ensure food security.
Source: hgptv.com
