The Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) has firmly rejected claims made by OFAC-sanctioned Azruddin Mohamed regarding the 2025 second-crop paddy subsidy, insisting that payments to rice farmers were verified correctly, recorded and lawfully distributed.
In a statement issued on Monday, the GRDB stated that Mr Mohamed’s assertions were not supported by facts and misrepresented how the rice subsidy programme operates. The board stressed that farmers were paid strictly based on the actual number of bags of paddy delivered to licensed rice mills, not on acreage estimates or assumed yields.
According to the GRDB, the payment process followed a clear and transparent system. Every bag of paddy paid for was officially recorded and cross-checked against farmer-issued vouchers, with figures verified farmer by farmer. Only after this verification was completed was the data submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture for approval.
The board stated that the funds were lawfully approved and cheques were issued individually, with distribution commencing on January 7 in Region Five. It added that the same process was followed in Regions 2, 3, 4, and 6.
The GRDB criticised Mohamed’s method of calculating payments by multiplying acreage by an arbitrary yield figure, describing it as a flawed approach that does not reflect how the rice industry functions. The board stated that such calculations overlook the industry’s established system, which is based solely on verified deliveries.
Addressing claims of possible irregularities, the GRDB stated that any genuine concerns should be raised through the Office of the Auditor General, the constitutionally established body for such matters. It said public accusations unsupported by evidence do not amount to accountability.
The board also rejected suggestions that farmers had been misled, noting that rice farmers received their cheques, knew precisely what they had delivered, and understood the payment system. It added that many farmers have publicly expressed appreciation for the government’s timely intervention.
The GRDB maintained that the facts surrounding the paddy subsidy are transparent, verifiable and on record.
