Dear Editor,
I refer to the letter captioned “Irrigation a major problem for farmers on the Essequibo Coast” (07.03.01) by S. Khan, Diaram K Narine, Chandrika Hoomali and twenty-nine others. In response to a request of the Minister of Agriculture: Hon Robert M Persaud, for me to reply I hereby offer the following.
1. Price for paddy in Essequibo Coast is the lowest in Guyana. We recognised that and I am sure that all the farmers in Essequibo would have known that last season, the Government had made arrangement for two special T & H D boats per week from Essequibo so that farmer could have sold their paddy in Regions 3, 4 or 5.
This special arrangement was at 50% of the normal cost for crossing on the T & H D vessels.
2. We know of the dry weather condition that is currently affecting Guyana. It is quite unfortunate that at this time work has started on the replacement of the “Old Dawa Pump”. This replacement of this pump was as a result of its age and request from farmers.
Notwithstanding this replacement work, water is available in all the major canals in Essequibo Coast. Farmers are asked to “see with us” as we seek to develop the industry. The Region Two administration has assured that adequate measures are in place.
3. On the issue of VAT. There is no VAT on fertilizer, pesticides, bags, harrows etc. It is a coincidence that the price of Urea went up at the same time VAT was implemented.
Urea price is closely linked to the petroleum price and we all know what the price of fuel is today. Also, recently the demand for Urea has increased. Countries such as India, China etc, have placed large orders for urea and in a free market environment the prices will increase.
I would finally like to say that the industry has many challenges and we all needs to work together to make it a success. The Hon Minister of Agriculture has in his interaction with farmers and other stakeholders updated our efforts to make our rice industry globally competitive.
Yours faithfully,
Jagnarine Singh
General Manager
Guyana Rice
Development Board
