Why are some rice farmers unwilling to pay what is due to the N.D.I.A?

May 11, 2019 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,

From all indications the rainy season is here with us, and that is of course after a lengthy dry period. It was good that the rice farmers were able to harvest their crop without having to bother about rain which would have made harvesting difficult and of course, been more costly.
I can remember not so long ago, during the harvesting period, some of the dams were almost impassable to traverse with a full load of paddy – be it a truck or a tractor and trailer.
The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (N.D.I.A.) is doing a reasonably good job by cleaning the trenches, installing checks, kokers and revetments – not forgetting the many pumps that were installed – but maintaining the dams during the rainy season would always be a challenge.
With the above being said, the farmers have a duty to pay the collecting agency appointed by N.D.I.A. the rates for the cultivated area. That agency was the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (N.D.C.) and the Municipality, prior to 2007 and currently is the Water Users Association (W.U.A).
Early in 2013, in Region 2 (Pomeroon-Supenaam), a region that is heavily dependent on the rice industry, the amount of money owed to N.D.I.A. was in excess of one hundred and fifty million, and there was no evidence available that a genuine effort was made to collect these arrears from the delinquent farmers, although there was evidence in abundance that would suggest that most of the farmers in question could have afforded to pay at least a major part owed by them.
It is difficult for any right-thinking person to understand why some farmers for so long, though not unable, are unwilling to pay what is due to the N.D.I.A. when it is accepted by all that drainage and irrigation is the most important aspect in the production of rice – this very product that many of their lives depend on, directly and indirectly.
It will certainly make interesting reading should the N.D.I.A. say how much is owed to them by farmers in each of our rice-cultivating regions. The former administration must also inform the people of this country what action, if any, was taken to have the delinquent farmers honour that obligation. The same must be done by this Coalition Government, which has the bounden duty to ensure that systems are in place to encourage the production of any crop, and manufactured items. The farmers and manufacturers have some obligations also.
Archie W. Cordis
Former AFC Councillor
Region # 2

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