Gov’t support cushions farmers amid global rice price shifts

At a weekend community meeting in Crabwood Creek, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha reassured local farmers of the government’s ongoing commitment to supporting the rice industry, even as global market dynamics create pricing uncertainties for the upcoming second crop.

Minister Mustapha highlighted that international rice prices have softened due to increased global supply, particularly with India re-entering the market and contributing large volumes of grain.

“[Owing] to the large amount of grains, especially rice, coming from India, the prices started to decline,” the Minister revealed.

Despite these external challenges, he pointed out that Guyana’s rice sector continues to thrive, noting a historic production high of over 700,000 tonnes recorded last year.

While many farmers in neighbouring Suriname struggle without state assistance, Guyanese farmers benefit from robust government support. The government has been subsidising paddy by $300 per bag to help stabilise the market.

Mustapha noted that current miller prices remain competitive at $3,700 per bag.

Though the exact price for the second crop of 2025 cannot yet be determined, Minister Mustapha reaffirmed the government’s proactive role in protecting farmers’ livelihoods and ensuring the sustainability of the industry.