Rice farmers across Region Two received a significant financial boost on Saturday as authorities launched the distribution of more than $403 million in cash grants, delivering on a promise made earlier this year to provide direct support to the rice sector.
The distribution, held at the Anna Regina Town Council compound, was attended by President Dr Irfaan Ali and Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha. It marked the first phase of a nationwide programme designed to ease the burden of rising production costs and uncertainties within the global rice market.
Under the initiative, farmers cultivating 50 acres or less are eligible to receive $15,000 per acre, while those with holdings exceeding 50 acres will receive $10,000 per acre. More than 5,100 rice farmers cultivating over 235,000 acres nationwide are expected to benefit.
President Ali said the cash grant demonstrates government’s continued commitment to standing with the country’s agricultural producers. He said his administration has consistently invested in measures to lower production expenses and improve conditions for farmers, pointing to the removal of VAT on electricity and water, the elimination of tolls at the Demerara Harbour Bridge, assistance with paddy transportation, expanded ferry services to the Essequibo Coast, and major investments in drainage and irrigation infrastructure.
Ali also announced additional projects aimed at strengthening the rice industry, including upgrading farm access dams into all-weather roads, expanding drainage and irrigation networks, opening new agricultural lands in Region Two, and constructing a modern drying and storage facility for rice. He assured farmers that any initiative intended to improve the sector would receive government’s backing.
He further disclosed that government is examining the use of drone technology for fertiliser application and crop spraying to help reduce production costs and address labour shortages. Farmers were also encouraged to diversify into crops such as onions and livestock production, with government pledging technical and financial support for those ventures.
Mustapha said the distribution represents the fulfilment of a commitment made after extensive consultations with rice farmers earlier this year. He explained that during discussions at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in April, farmers raised concerns over escalating production costs and volatile international market conditions, prompting Ali to announce the per-acre cash grant.
Mustapha said the programme reflects government’s commitment to honouring its promises while ensuring the sustainability of Guyana’s rice industry. He noted that the sector has recorded steady growth over the past several years, with rice production increasing from about 550,000 tonnes in 2020 to approximately 825,000 tonnes last year, adding that the first crop of 2026 has already yielded around 414,000 tonnes, placing the industry on track for another productive year.
He said government has continued to support farmers through investments in fertiliser assistance, improved market access, infrastructure development and the strengthening of the Guyana Rice Development Board. Describing agriculture as a cornerstone of Guyana’s economy and food security agenda, Mustapha said government will continue investing in programmes that improve farmers’ livelihoods and ensure the long-term growth of the sector.
