GEORGETOWN, Guyana – President Mohamed Irfaan Ali has announced a series of new initiatives aimed at making rice farming more profitable and resilient, while overseeing the distribution of more than GY$400 million, in direct cash grants to rice farmers in Region Two.
Addressing hundreds of farmers on Saturday, Ali said the grants form part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen agriculture and support rural communities.
He said the administration has consistently delivered on its commitments to farmers through investments in drainage and irrigation systems, infrastructure upgrades, tax relief measures and direct financial assistance.
“This is a government you can trust. This is a government that continues to work alongside you. This is a government that has demonstrated respect for you,” Ali told the gathering.
According to the president, more than 5,100 rice farmers cultivating over 235,000 acres across Guyana are expected to benefit from the programme.
Ali noted that the rice grants were distributed a day after the government provided more than GY$1 billion in education grants to children in Region Two, resulting in more than GY$1.5 billion being injected into the regional economy within two days.
“Our agriculture system must not only be strong. It must be viable and profitable,” he said.
As part of efforts to improve productivity and lower operating costs, the president announced a package of additional measures, including a nationwide assessment of agricultural infrastructure, the upgrading of farm access dams into all-weather roads, expanded drainage and irrigation works, and the opening of new agricultural lands in Region Two.
He said the initiative is intended not only to support existing farmers but also to create opportunities for younger people to enter the agricultural sector.
Ali also confirmed that the government will proceed with the construction of modern rice drying and storage facilities, a project that farmers have long advocated for.
In addition, he said a special team has been established to identify new export markets for Guyana’s rice, while discussions are ongoing with private sector stakeholders to increase the use of locally produced rice in value-added products.
Addressing labour shortages within the sector, Ali disclosed that the government is examining the use of drone technology for fertiliser application and crop spraying, particularly to assist small-scale farmers.
He said the proposal emerged from consultations with rice producers and forms part of the administration’s wider efforts to modernise agriculture through innovation and technology.
“Planting rice is not only planting rice; it is a business,” the president said, urging farmers to diversify their income streams to reduce risk and improve profitability.
Looking ahead, Ali said the planned establishment of the Guyana Development Bank would further strengthen the agricultural sector by improving access to affordable financing for farmers and agribusinesses.
“I want you to leave here knowing that we care about you, we will invest in you, and we will demonstrate our love and commitment to you every single day of the year because we believe in this region and we believe in you,” he said.
