Dear Editor,
Reaping of paddy in Region 2 has started and the best price being offered for a bag of paddy is $1,600.Over the past years, there has been a general decline in paddy prices. This trend which is non-uniform, has had more serious consequences for the rice industry and the rice farmers.
During colonial rule, the landlords, moneylenders and unscrupulous rice millers were the dominant and authoritative forces. The rice farmers during that oppressive period were consistently caught in an inescapable net of exploitation and in this modern age it is still happening. However, during the period 1957-64,a strong wind of change under the late Dr Cheddi Jagan protected the rice industry, particularly the rice farmers who were toiling under harsh and back-breaking methods of production. The millers during that period were paid an agreed fee and the future therefore brightened for the rice farmers.
The P.P.P. Government in order to encourage production introduced subsidies on jute bags, twines, fuels, drugs, fertilizers. None of these exist today to help cushion the high cost of input for the farmers. 28 years (1964-92)of P.N.C, Government mal-administration destroyed the industry; basic infrastructure to promote the industry was neglected. As a result, not only was the industry wrecked, the entire economy virtually collapsed because of bad management.
The Guyana Rice Producers Association (R.P.A.) has always been in the vanguard of the struggle for a fair deal for rice producers. It has played a pivotal role in agitating for the rights of the rice farmers. At present the industry can hardly escape the vagaries of the free market economy in which allocation is determined by demand and supply. There is therefore need for intelligent and skilful policies to be implemented to facilitate the transition and restructuring process for the industry. Considering the critical nature of the current situation, it will be necessary to lobby Caribbean governments to protect the interest of the rice producers. This could be expedited and supported by monitoring how rice stocks are released into the market thereby empowering lobbyists with crucial information for decision-making. The need for constructive dialogue among rice importers, at this time, cannot be overemphasised.
The cost of inputs is very high and for the small rice farmers to survive the government must come to their rescue by subsidising their costs.
Yours faithfully,
Mohamed Khan, (former R.P.A.
Extension Officer)
