Rice farmers in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 are faced with paddy bug infestation in the current crop and the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), under the purview of the Ministry of Agriculture has initiated a $25M plan to address the issue, GINA said last evening.
Region Two which was hit during the first crop of this year is experiencing a return of the infestation, which General Manager of GRDB, Jagnarine Singh said could be due to the change in weather, and drainage issues and mainte
nance of rice fields. During a recent visit by Stabroek News to the Essequibo coast, farmers complained about the paddy bug.
Singh said that the GRDB has been working to bring the situation under control. This programme will provide pesticides to farmers across the country, as well as technical support.
He also highlighted that distribution has commenced on the Essequibo coast, and today, rice farmers in Wakenaam and Leguan Islands will benefit.
