Rice industry assured of government's continued support
• US$1M seed processing facility for C/tyne
Kaieteur News
March 7, 2007
Several measures by Government to foster expansion of the rice industry will be pursued this year. Major among these is the establishment of a $1.6B credit facility which is already in operation.
At a meeting with farmers at the Tagore Memorial High School in Region Six on Monday, Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud highlighted some of the developments planned for the rice industry which has been allocated over $4B this year.
A US$1M seed processing facility at Number 56 Village, Corentyne will be constructed, and an allocation of over $1B will be used for drainage and irrigation projects primarily in rice growing areas. The Rice Factories Act has already been amended.
The credit facility is intended to provide direct benefits to the rice industry. It offers interest rates ranging from six to eleven percent, which are lower than the average rates being offered at commercial banks. The facility is being administered by the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) and was set up under the Rice Competitiveness Project.
Farmers spoke of some of the difficulties experienced in accessing loans from the credit facility. Minister Persaud urged the Rice Producers Association (RPA) and the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) to work with farmers to help them satisfy the requirements to access loans.
Farmers sought clarification on the amendments to the Rice Factories Act, which were passed in the National Assembly. They were advised that GRDB officials will update them on the amendments during meetings to be held shortly.
The adjustments include a designed format that will specify the date(s) for payments to be made by millers to farmers for paddy. The amendments are intended to address the problem of delayed and non-payment to farmers.
Concerns were raised about the increasing cost of production and Minister Persaud explained that Government has already made several interventions in this regard, including the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) from basic inputs and investments in the sector.
Farmers queried Government's decision to ban the importation of chemicals from Suriname and were advised that this is part of a process to ensure that food produced is safe for consumption.
The Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Board is responsible for regulating the use of safe and effective chemicals available to farmers. Minster Persaud said importers of chemicals from Suriname should meet officials of the Board to ensure compliance with the requirements.
Other issues raised by farmers included a revision of the Pound Act and the availability of pastures for cattle in the No. 52/74 district.
Minister Persaud told farmers that a draft of the revised Pound Act has been completed and will be made available to farmers while the process to have it introduced to the National Assembly will proceed.
This is being dealt with by the Ministry of Home Affairs with support from the Ministry of Agriculture.
Farmers were informed that new lands are being developed at Kokerite savannahs while work will commence shortly to facilitate expansion in the Manarabisi pasture.
Commissioner of the Lands and Survey Commission, Andrew Bishop, will be invited to visit the Corentyne shortly to discuss land issues with the farmers and residents, Minister Persaud said.
• The Agriculture Minister has embarked on a countrywide outreach to various communities to meet with farmers in a bid to resolve issues and push the growth of the sector. He has already visited communities in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Nine and Ten.