The Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) has increased spraying for paddy bugs in the Essequibo region following a new wave of infestation, according to General Manager Nizam Hassan.
The GRDB, Hassan said, has expanded its spraying activities to target breeding grounds. However, he advised that once the farmers discover the bugs on their farm they should also engage in spraying. The GRDB head acknowledged that there is an industry-wide paddy bug infestation, especially in Region Two’s farmlands, but insisted that “the situation is not alarming.” He further advised farmers to begin spraying pesticide during the flowering stage since that is when the bugs are likely to invade the farmlands.
Hassan said farmers should contact the agency immediately for assistance with spraying if they are severely affected by the bugs. While some farmers had suggested that aerial spraying be done, Hassan informed that the Environmental Protection Agency had advised against this, given that residential homes are close to the farmlands.
At the conclusion of July, this newspaper reported that farmers were complaining of a new infestation which had the potential of destroying the crop if swift action was not taken to get the infestation under control. Farmers between Anna Regina and Charity and in the Supenaam area have been battling the scourge for several weeks. Rice Producers’ Association (RPA) representative Lionel Boodram explained to this newspaper that the farmers are now very fearful of losing their entire crop if the GRDB does not step in and intensify its spraying campaign.
Boodram explained that based on reports, the bugs originated in the Lima Sands community and efforts should be directed in that area.
In 2019, the GRDB had to intensify its spraying programme to assist in managing the paddy bug infestation.
