The Ministry of Agriculture, Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) and the Rice Producers Association (RPA) are encouraging all rice farmers to “take full advantage” of the present favourable weather for harvesting, a GRDB release stated.
The Hydromet Division of the Ministry of Agriculture has indicated that the weather pattern has returned to some normalcy and in a few weeks time the country will be entering the May/June rainy period.
“We are requesting full cooperation from the relevant authorities to ensure that farmers incur as few difficulties as possible,” the GRDB stated. In some areas where dams are still not prepared the GRDB called on farmers as well as NDC and RDC officials to repair these as quickly as possible.
At a recent meeting with stakeholders, some of the problems that were identified included the case where a contract was awarded after the farmers would have made some effort to prepare the dams, and in Region Six it was reported that the lack of drainage in the New Forest area is preventing preparation of fields for harvesting on some 250 acres.
The release noted further that the delayed sowing in West Berbice and in Region Six will also contribute to late harvesting due the present age of the crop. These farmers, the release said, are asked to ensure that they sow “in the season” which would allow harvesting to occur in the dry season. Sowing outside the normal rainy season is like “gambling” so farmers risk encountering difficulties during harvesting as this may occur in the following rainy season.
Moreover, millers are asked to ensure that they have very little delays in receiving the farmers’ paddy as this will ensure faster ‘turn-around time’ for the transportation vehicles.
The release said also that the unavailability of combine harvesters in Region Five, specifically in the Mahaicony/ Abary area, has also made it difficult for farmers to harvest on a timely basis. It has been suggested that there should be additional combines available on contract, where possible. This will be an opportunity for income for those who are in possession of such equipment.
In the meantime the police are asked to assist in any instance required so that harvesting can occur without further delays, the release added.
