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The rice industry has come a very long way

Sep 20, 2009 Letters

Dear Editor,
Response to the GRPA Press Release issued by Mr. Jinnah Rahaman on the 15th day of September, 2009
The first part of Mr Jinnah Rahaman missive, states that Minister of Agriculture allowed the GRDB to authorise the signing of contracts between a US based company, Sea Rice, and some rice millers. This is false.
The facts are: no contract was authorised by GRDB, and therefore the Minister did not allow anything.
Also it is important to note that the Minister of Agriculture does not interfere with the work of the GRDB, which is left to the Board of Directors and Management. The role of the Ministry is to give the support that is necessary for the production and marketing of all agricultural commodities including rice. Providing the necessary enabling laws and regulations, but do not interfere with the spirit of the free economy.
It should be noted that, Mr. Durga is not a leading rice miller; in 2008 his company exported 1,538 tonnes of rice that represent 0.63% of the total export for that year.
The Company he is the Managing was a leading rice mill; but today it is relegated to being a small operator with some very large assets that was sold to him at concessionary prices by the previous administration.
The truth is the millers are discussing their contract price with the buyers; this is how it was done before and is still being done, the Government, the Minister nor the GRDB fixed or arranges any price for the sector.
It is also misleading to say, the Board is a hand-picked few by the Minister.
The truth is the RPA is the only agency that has fought for the farmers’ right when dogs were turned against them by the previous regime, when there were total neglect to the basic support for services to the industry including drainage and irrigation.
Mr. Jinnah Rahaman, was one of them who, ‘cut and run’, leaving the farmers. Today he is back, and after seeing the progress of the RPA, is trying to take it over. This matter is engaging the attention of the High Court.
I close in stating that the rice industry has come a very long way and the figures are there to prove itself, despite issues outside the manageable capacity of those in authority, such as the global financial and food crisis.
However, Guyana’s rice industry will continue to play an integral role and ensure employment and food security.
Saleem Hamid
Extension Officer (Rtd)

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