The Ministry of Agriculture has unveiled a new bio-fortified rice variety that is slated to offer more nutrition and higher yields benefitting both the farmer and the consumer.
A release from the Office of the Prime Minister stated that the rice variety, which was developed by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the Latin American Fund for Irrigated Rice (FLAR), and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), was launched on Saturday during the 3rd Regional Agri-Investment Forum and Expo, held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips, who gave an address at the unveiling, stated that the rice industry has proven to be indomitable, and has significantly contributed to the agriculture sector in Guyana, the release said.
He explained that the government has set ambitious targets for rice production, namely, a 12 percent increase from 559,789 metric tonnes in 2021 to 625,092 metric tonnes in 2023. Factors contributing to this growth include increased agricultural credit, both public and private sector investment, improved seed quality and fertilisers, advancement in research and development, and better infrastructure such as access roads, drainage systems, and irrigation, it added.
The PM also spoke of the government’s commitment to enhancing the capabilities of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) to conduct the required research and introduce innovative varieties. He noted that on an annual basis, the government allocates over $300 million to promote production while emphasising that conventional methods were used to produce this variety rather than genetically modified organisms.
This process, he noted, can result in higher levels of zinc accumulation in the grains, providing minerals needed for good cellular and immune health, the release said.
It quoted him as saying: “One-third of the human population, particularly children and women, suffer from zinc deficiency-related health problems. An adequate intake of zinc daily is vital for normal human function. Importantly, this variety was developed using conventional breeding methods, making it a non-genetically modified organism.”Phillips also pointed out that this rice variety has opportunities in international markets where healthy, nutrient-rich rice is in demand, the release noted, adding that agriculture is no longer solely focused on increasing grain yield and crop productivity but also on enhancing health.
“We are also placing emphasis on improving human health. Agriculture is now transitioning towards nutrient-rich food crops, notably cereals, to help combat ‘hidden hunger’ or ‘micronutrient malnutrition’. In the fight against hidden hunger, biofortified rice provides a sustainable alternative option to chemical food additives, the release quoted him as saying.
According to the release, the PM said the biofortified rice variety not only addresses zinc deficiency, but it is also economically beneficial for farmers, as it demonstrates excellent yield potential of six to eight tonnes per hectare.
“In addition to being highly nutritious, this rice is a good economical choice for farmers as it possesses excellent early vigor, a good plant type and high yield potential…that will contribute to increasing the economic growth of our country through preferential prices and increase market value,” he was quoted as saying.
The release noted that Guyana will become the first country in Caricom and Latin America to cultivate biofortified rice and Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha, who also addressed the event, emphasised the significance of this new variety as the nation leads the way in the region and in Latin America. He too expressed hope for large-scale cultivation and highlighted the potential to increase farmers’ income and contribute to the overall improvement of public health.
