quote:The AFC in its Action Plan proposes the following policies for the rice sector for a fuller realization of its potential and greater profitability.
1. Re-gaining the respect within Caricom, UNASUR and other international markets that Guyana can be a reliable supplier of rice;
2. Provide access to low interest capital through the establishment of a State Development Bank which will support the rice farmers and the millers, as well as fishery and livestock farmers;
3. Planting and reproductive material being available to farmers by the authorities. GRDB, NARI and UG will be upgraded to produce higher yielding and better disease-resistant varieties and generic planting material to ensure less dependence on imported pesticides, weedicides and fertilizers;
4. Improve the farm to market dams and roads and overhaul the drainage and irrigation system;
5. Manufacture value added products e.g. rice cereals, rice pudding and rice flakes for the local and international markets.
AFC!
