Berbice rice farmers benefit from $490M in subsidies

Amid falling world market prices for rice, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Saturday spearheaded the distribution of $300 per bag subsidy assistance to rice farmers on the Corentyne Coast, providing timely financial relief to sustain production.

A total of 1,452 farmers benefited from the initiative, representing an overall government investment of approximately $490 million. The assistance forms part of the ongoing interventions implemented by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali to cushion farmers against rising production costs and to sustain rice cultivation nationwide.

Addressing farmers at the distribution exercise, Minister Mustapha said the government has consistently intervened to support farmers whenever they are affected, emphasising that agriculture remains a national priority.

“When farmers are affected, we step in and help. We’ve never said that rice was a private business. Whether there are instances of flooding, you need dams, issues with paddy bugs, low yields, or access to inputs, this PPP/C government has always stepped in to help farmers,” the Minister said.

He highlighted ongoing infrastructure investments aimed at expanding production and improving resilience, noting that major drainage works are underway.

“We are constructing two high-level canals. When those canals are finished, the drainage system will be strengthened. We will also see more lands being developed for cultivation and agricultural development,” Minister Mustapha explained.

The Agriculture Minister also signaled that the government will be addressing challenges related to land access and affordability, particularly where farming costs are being driven up by rental arrangements.

“This is an ongoing issue in different parts of the country. If we want farmers to produce more, the cost of production needs to come down. One of the major issues that continues to influence the cost of production is land rentals. As a government, we will be examining cases where persons who have leases are renting lands to farmers,” he said.

Minister Mustapha further outlined plans to reduce production costs through shared services and mechanisation, including the establishment of rice-producing clusters.

“I mention this in Essequibo. One of the things we are actively working on; we are organising rice-producing clusters. We will look at where there is a concentration of farmers, and the government will purchase combines and other agricultural machinery so that farmers can utilise those machines and reduce their cost of production,” he stated.

In addition, the Minister reminded farmers of the Crop Insurance Programme launched by His Excellency, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, which is expected to come into effect for the current crop.

“Last year, the President launched the Crop Insurance Programme. For the first crop of 2026, that programme will come into effect. Once you are registered, you will benefit, and you do not have to pay a premium. All farmers are encouraged to get involved,” Minister Mustapha said.

This intervention forms part of a wider national programme, representing a total government investment of approximately $2.1 billion, aimed at sustaining rice production, enhancing food security, and reinforcing the resilience of one of Guyana’s most important agricultural sectors.