Small rice farmers must scale back, not abandon industry - Jordan

Small rice farmers must scale back, not abandon industry – Jordan

Oct 10, 2025 News

(Kaieteur News) – Former Finance Minister Winston Jordan has hit back at criticisms over his recent statements on the rice sector, insisting that small farmers should not exit the industry but instead scale back production amid unfavourable global market conditions.

In a detailed letter responding to Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, who had called his comments “reckless,” Jordan clarified that his remarks were misunderstood. He said that while world rice markets are currently oversupplied, asking farmers to increase output under such conditions would force the government constantly to step in with costly subsidies. Jordan emphasised that Guyana’s rice farmers have already benefited from extensive government support, including free fertilizer, duty-free machinery, cash transfers, insurance subsidies, reduced drainage and irrigation rates, ferry toll waivers, and compensation for paddy spoilage.

Further escalating price subsidies, he argued, would strain the national treasury amid a rising cost of living. Highlighting lessons from countries like Brazil, Australia, and Thailand, Jordan noted that only farmers with storage capacity or access to value-added production—rice flour, rice cakes, and packaged goods could expand without suffering losses. Others, he advised, should focus on scaling back temporarily and diversifying into other crops or productive ventures. Jordan questioned the government’s labeling of his remarks as “reckless,” asserting that his intention was never to encourage farmers to abandon rice, but rather to align production with market realities and protect both farmers and taxpayers. The former minister also noted the importance of transparency and clear communication with rice farmers, warning that ignoring global market signals could leave the government perpetually “on the back-foot” and the sector vulnerable. With global rice prices under pressure and domestic subsidies already substantial, Jordan’s message is clear: Guyana’s small farmers must adapt, not abandon, if the industry is to remain viable.

Mustapha had insisted that the PPP/C government has always been the only honest representative of rice farmers in the history of this country. President Irfaan Ali had outlined a comprehensive strategy that includes increasing the national storage capacity across rice-producing regions to allow Guyana to stockpile up to 5 million tonnes of rice.

President Ali also spoke about investing in better rice varieties to deliver higher yields and maintain competitiveness in global markets, and the introduction of agri-business diversification. This will include high-value initiatives such as cage farming for crabs to boost cash flow and reduce risks for farmers. “The PPP/C Government will not abandon rice farmers. Instead, it is investing in infrastructure, research, and diversification to ensure that Guyana’s rice industry emerges stronger and more resilient in the face of global challenges. Mr. Jordan and his Coalition colleagues had their chance and chose neglect. Today, they stand exposed as opportunists attempting to politicise the very sector they once abandoned,” Mustapha had said.

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Rice farmers, rice industry, rice sector, Winston Jordan

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