The government yesterday announced a reduction of 38.5% in the transportation cost for paddy for farmers on the Essequibo River island of Leguan, according to a release from the Ministry of Public Works.
The announcement was made during a visit to Leguan by Minister in the Ministry of Public Works Deodat Indar.
However, while on a subsequent visit to the nearby Essequibo River island of Wakenaam, Indar was told that Leguan paddy farmers did not have substantial transport costs as they usually sell their grain to two millers on the island who then hire their own transport.
The release said that Indar then committed to engaging the two main rice millers in Leguan to have the reduction reflected in an increased price per bag of paddy purchased from farmers.
The reduction in the transport cost for Leguan farmers took effect last Monday, the release said.
Indar explained during a meeting with rice farmers yesterday that the decision was taken after listening to the cries of numerous farmers both in Leguan and Wakenaam, for assistance during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The Region Three Chairman, Sheik Ayube said he is pleased that development is taking place in the region and commended Indar for going beyond the call of duty to personally extend the good news to the farmers.
Some 3417 acres of land is being used for rice farming in Leguan by 306 farmers, the release said.
Meanwhile, in Wakenaam, 1864 acres is being used for rice planting by some 84 farmers.
Rice farmers in Wakenaam are already benefitting from the slash in transport cost as they would move their paddy themselves off of the island.
