Modern technology key to remaining competitive in rice
-Speakers at seminar
Guyana Chronicle
May 9, 2004
MINISTER of Fisheries, Crops and Livestock and acting Minister of Agriculture, Satyadeow Sawh is urging farmers, millers and other stakeholders in the rice industry to focus on strategies to fight global challenges and ensure sustainability of the industry.
He made this pitch Friday while opening a two-day seminar on `Modern Trends in Rice Technology’ at the University of Guyana Berbice Campus.
Sawh told the gathering that it is imperative to adopt modern technology that is compatible with this country’s mode of rice cultivation. He said costs of production must be reduced so that the rice industry can be sustained.
Acknowledging the significance of the rice industry to the local economy, the minister noted that it is part of the private sector and provides a large number of jobs, generates foreign exchange, ensures food security and helps in reducing rural poverty.
Amidst challenges such as world market price concomitant with subsidies, higher input costs and unjust import requirements, Sawh said the “onus is on us to ensure the industry grows.” This, he observed is important because many poor rice growing families are highly dependent on the industry and feel the impact of poor harvests which also negatively impact on trade and the local economy.
He exhorted farmers to adopt strategies such as bridging gaps in yields, crop/livestock synergy and adding value to products to ensure quality and competitive prices.
He also assured farmers of government’s continued support for new initiatives within the rice industry. However, he underscored the need for the support of all stakeholders because government alone cannot move the industry forward.
According to Professor Lalhita Kumari, an Indian Technical and economic Cooperation (ITEC) Consultant at UGBC, the seminar served as a platform for stakeholders to interact and identify problems and probable solutions.
Vice-Chancellor of UG, Dr. James Rose observed that “agriculture is the bedrock of the national economy and the rice industry is the economic base of Berbice. Networking and interfacing with the agriculture sector augurs well for the future of the national economy and the Berbice Campus alike.”
He added that the progress made by the UGBC and its contribution to agricultural education and extension work are remarkable.
Director of UGBC, Dr. Rishi Thakur said that the world is looking forward to agriculture to feed the malnourished and undernourished, noting that the initiative is timely and a humble beginning.
Director of the National Agriculture research Institute (NARI), Dr. Oudho Homenauth observed that the main focus of the IYR2004 (International Year of Rice) is to increase yields and improve crop and land management.
“The actors and players of the rice sector in Guyana need to be cognisant of the current and emerging technologies in the rice industry globally to remain competitive in accordance with the goals and objectives of IYR 2004. (Government Information Agency).