Rice yield records growth locally -MIN. HOLDER

Oct 13, 2019 News

Rice yields in Guyana has recorded significant growth according to Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder, at Guyana Rice Development Board’s (GRDB) Rice Research Station Annual ‘Open Day’ ceremony recently.

Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder

Minister Holder noted that in 2018 farmers recorded some six tonnes of paddy per hectare in rice yields, depicting a 5% increase over 2015, at which it was 5.5 tonnes per hectare. This would have shown a 37% increase from 10 years ago, at which 4.2 tonnes per hectare was recorded.
The Minister noted that such increases in the average national rice yields remarkably demonstrate the government’s dedication to the rice sector.
He said that it is the government’s commitment to the overall expansion of the industry and to their investments in research and development. He explained that another contributing factor is the improved agronomic practices for rice cultivation being transferred to farmers by the extension programme that works closely with the researchers.
The Minister indicated that within the last twenty-five years, the Rice Research Station has produced 14 new high yielding varieties for commercial cultivation, which came about as a result of massive financial investments in a well-conceived and executed initiative.
He added that some $372M is being spent annually by the GRDB Board to execute initiatives at the Rice Research Station.
He stated that rice research is the avenue through which new techniques and technology are made available to the rice industry continuously to enhance its competitiveness in an environment that experiences financial and social environment.
Commenting on the flooding in Regions Two, Three, Four and Five and how it affected farmers, the Minister urged farmers to be on the alert for climate changes, citing that the sea defence structures will have to be enhanced , and the rice industry expanded to higher ground.
He noted that Government is committed to organising its research efforts to be better able to serve the needs of farmers and rice stakeholders.

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