Rice farmers to abandon production next crop
Harvesting in full swing in Region Two
Paddy price crisis
…low prices do not justify investment
By Kristen Macklingam and Indrawattie Natram
Frustrated rice farmers in the two major rice producing regions, with no hope of relief in sight from the Government ,have signalled their intentions to ‘rest’ their lands come the next crop, given the low prices and lack of government intervention.
In Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), farmers have finally given up hope that the Government would be coming to their rescue in light of the crisis the rice industry has been facing over the past months due to the Venezuelan market for 200,000 tonnes of rice/paddy being lost.
The lack of action and unfavourable responses from the relevant authorities to inject funds into the industry have only made matters worse for those affected.
Some Essequibo farmers are contending that they may not be able to plant rice anytime in the near future. The poor prices they are being offered cannot offset their costs of production that they would have to outlay to and without intervention from the Administration, their future appears to be nothing short of ‘bleak’.
Guyana Times was able to speak with some of these rice farmers who are lamenting that the rice industry seemed to be in an unstoppable freefall.
One common cry from a majority of the affected rice farmers is that “rice is dead” as they continue to air their disappointment with regard to the treatment received from the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration.
Guyana Times understands that farmers are of the opinion that the only way they will be able to venture into the next crop is if the Government offers its immediate assistance and/or they receive subsidies on every bag produced.
A female rice farmer from Walton Hall, Essequibo Coast, told this publication that she will definitely be “putting my land to rest”.
The reason for this drastic decision is that usually she would generate p an average of $1.3 million in revenues from her three acres.
However, this crop only brought her $500,000 in total as a result of being offered $1500 per bag of paddy.
The woman declared that this is ‘unprofitable’ and would not offset her cost of production. She strongly believes that the Government should intervene in the issue of low paddy prices.
“We are producing we are producing, but there is no money, no market. We lost almost $600 per bag for our harvest. What will happen to our family? Who really standing up for us?” she questioned.
Another farmer from Cullen, Essequibo confirmed that he will not be going back to the rice fields since this has proven to be unprofitable during the past months.
He told this newspaper that the present prices being offered to rice farmers were the lowest that he has ever received.
According to the man, this is ‘unfair’ and a ‘rip off.’
“Where is the representation from the Government or the RPA or the Rice Action Committee?” he asked.
He further explained that he received 350 bags from his field and obtained $700,000 for this. However, in the past for the same crop period he would usually receive around $2 million.
Many rice farmers have voiced similar concerns about the industry since a number of them have outstanding loans which they took from the banks.
They noted that the $2000 and less for a bag of Grade A paddy which they have obtained would definitely not give them a profit after their expenses are taken care of.
With this being the case, it is highly unlikely that a majority of rice farmers, especially in Essequibo, would return to their lands for the next crop, even if they wanted to.
Hundreds of rice farmers in Region Two last week staged a protest demanding assistance from the Agriculture Ministry and the Government of Guyana.
Calls were made for better paddy prices as well as concessions on fuel and vehicles, but to date no word has come from the APNU/AFC Administration with regards to any of these demands.
Berbice
Meanwhile, in the Ancient County of Berbice, rice farmers are plagued with similar burdens and share the same views as those in Essequibo.
In Berbice, a notable number of rice farmers do not even own their own lands. They rent the lands from landlords who commonly reside outside of Guyana.
In addition to production costs, personal expenses and loans from the banks, these distraught farmers have to ensure they pay their rental fees for the lands on which they farm.
Many in Berbice are also contemplating ending their “rice farming days” as they are operating at major losses with the current situation in the industry.
It must be reminded that if the majority of rice farmers throughout the country cease to cultivate rice, which is a major revenue earner for Guyana, the economy would be adversely affected. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)
