Georgetown: Earlier this week, a team of officials, which Minister of Agriculture, Leslie Ramsammy headed, visited Venezuela where he successfully finalized all arrangements for the commencement of shipment of paddy and rice to that State.
The team included members from the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) and the Rice Producers’ Association (RPA).
“The recent visit by the team was successful since we have managed to maintain similar prices received last year (2012) and at the same time amending the agreement to increase rice and reduce paddy exported. This is in keeping with the Government’s mandate in increasing the exportation of more value added products. “I wish to take this opportunity to advise the stakeholders in the rice industry that due to the similar conditions of sales in the current agreement, including prices, it is expected that the millers should pay farmers similar prices for paddy as in the last crop of 2012.” He underscored.
Adding that the discussions in Caracas, both parties pledged to work even more closely in reducing the difficulties, Guyana previously faced so as to improve the quality of service provided as well as the livelihood of our people, Ramsammy said it was agreed by both parties that export of rice and paddy will begin almost immediately and continue until early August for this first crop. The first shipment of rice is expected to occur on May 23 while the first shipment of paddy is expected to occur on May 28, 2013. We expect to export approximately 100,000 tons of rice and paddy in this period to Venezuela.
During the meetings, Guyana and Venezuela also further discussed Guyana importing fertilizer from Venezuela. The Ministry of Agriculture will continue these discussions over the next weeks in order to provide Guyana with another option to source fertilizer.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the Officials in Venezuela that made this trip successful, especially the Officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Food and Corporacions de Abastecimiento y Servicios Agricolas S.A., (La CASA).” He noted.
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