Georgetown : The Ministry of Agriculture reported that rice production for 2012 has passed the estimated target of 412,000 tonnes. As of December 18, 2012 the production figures were 420,000 tonnes.
The rice sector has also done exceptionally in export as well as the ministry also reported that more than 300,000 tonnes of locally grown rice was sold to other countries. The rice export earning now stands at US$176M and has the potential to increase by US$20M by the end of December 2012.
The Ministry in its 2012 progress report said that, “Given the amount of rain that fell and the floods that resulted in the first crop, this is indeed a remarkable achievement by Guyana’s rice farmers.”
Over the last three years, Venezuela has been the major export market for Guyana’s paddy and rice, accounting for approximately 60% of total export. While this is a very good trade for the country, the Ministry of Agriculture intends to continue rice exports to traditional markets in Europe and CARICOM countries like, Jamaica and Trinidad.
While farmers will be sowing in the first quarter of 2013 citizens will get an opportunity to participate in this ground breaking achievement in the sector. The GRDB will be inviting the public to compete for the naming of the first local aromatic variety of rice. The winners of the rice naming competition will be awarded handsomely.
The Government has invested in seed facilities across the country. As such, yet another seed facility is slated for completion in Number 56 Village, Berbice. “We hope to commission this facility in January 2013.” This facility is expected to generate more than 20,000 bags of seed paddy for by the second crop in next year.
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