-despite El Nino

Despite El Nino conditions, rice production has increased by an estimated 12,000 tonnes when compared to the same period last year, Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud said.

During the first crop last year about 160,000 tonnes was produced.

The increase, a Government Information Agency release said yesterday, is due to the government’s ongoing assistance to the industry.

The announcement was made by Persaud as he commissioned a paddy drying floor at Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice.

The 2010 budget presentation had said that following last year’s bumper production, this year’s output is expected to contract 4.6% to 343,373 tonnes. El Nino has adversely affected sowing of paddy, which translates to lower acreage under cultivation and hence lower production, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh explained.

He said that last year the sector recorded its second highest yields ever and this trend is expected to continue this year.