Dear Editor,
There are many challenges facing rice farmers, and unpredictable prices and markets often reduce their earnings. At present, Guyana is competing with Thailand, India and other producers for the parboiled and white rice markets. It is critical that the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) examine the avenues to becoming more competitive.
The production of fragrant rice is definitely one of the available avenues. It will be necessary to do a technical and economic analysis of the ability of the market to compete with the big countries for market space for fragrant rice. Guyana exporters should explore the possibility of selling extra-long grain rice as well as specialty rice like basmati and jasmine.
This could pave the way for Guyana to corner new market opportunities and tap into valuable niche markets that exist across the world. The GRDB should initiate schemes whereby proper management and strategic planning can address and enhance the profitability of the industry and farmers as a whole.
Yours faithfully,
Mohamed Khan
