Dear Editor,
An evaluation of the nature and forms of farmers’ representation in Guyana over the decades would lead to the conclusion that there has been no recognizable policy and programme in place to stop the exploitation of rice farmers.
The new legislation, the autonomous Guyana Rice Producers’ Association (RPA) and the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) have become toothless poodles. Small and large rice farmers are now vulnerable; many are unsophisticated and unable to represent themselves effectively, and most of them have been traumatized by prior experiences with bounced cheques and extra pounds for a bag of paddy by millers.
The experience many rice farmers have had with millers has severely compromised the quality of their lives which, in many instances has deteriorated to mere subsistence level. On Friday, October 29, the rice farmers of Region Two protested and carried out picketing exercises against the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), the Guyana Rice Producers’ Association (RPA) and the Minister of Agriculture. They are lobbying the government to help them receive their payment for paddy sold to millers for over two years now as they are facing grave economic crises.
They complained that the millers are taking advantage of them, and some have lost equipment, property and life savings when bad cheques are issued to them. Sad to say, no one from the RPA was in the picketing line with these farmers, and they were voiceless at a time when their voices needed to be heard. It makes me remember the present society that we live in, where anything and everything goes. Having said this, I would hasten to add as a former RPA Extension Officer, that if the organization is to succeed in holding on to the rice farmers, they must improve their performance. Millers are becoming united and they do not allow differences to affect their profits.
This tells the rice farmers that they must seek closer co-operation by creating a strong farmers’ organisation capable of defending their interests.
Yours faithfully,
Mohamed Khan
