‘Record high’ rice production in 2024 – Mustapha

There was record rice production in Guyana this year, according to the Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha.

Mustapha, speaking during his ministry’s yearend press conference on Monday, said 725,282 tonnes of rice were produced between January and December 2024.

About 6.6 tonnes per hectare, on average, have been produced.

“This is a record-breaking production.

“Since the introduction of rice production in our country, we have surpassed the 700,000 tonnes mark for the first time this year,” Mustapha highlighted.

Rice cultivation to exceed 710,000 tonnes by year-end

The improved production was in large part attributed to developments in the sector. The Agriculture Minister said there have been steady improvements in the rice varieties developed.

He also posited that farmers themselves have been embracing better farming practices. Overall, more than 5,000 farmers received training from the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB).

Mustapha also noted that this feat comes even as the agriucltural sector grappled with an extended drought.