More than 2,800 rice farmers in Regions Five and Six have so far been verified to receive assistance under government’s recently announced support programme for rice producers, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.
The figures were disclosed during a recent meeting between Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha and members of rice cultivation verification committees from the two regions.
The ministry said the committees provided updates on a series of field visits and verification exercises undertaken to identify farmers eligible for the programme and ensure that beneficiaries are accurately recorded.
According to reports presented at the meeting, 1,387 farmers in Region Five and 1,484 farmers in Region Six have been verified and are expected to benefit from the initiative.
Addressing committee members, Mustapha underscored the need for accuracy and transparency throughout the verification process, noting that government intends to ensure that assistance reaches those who qualify.
He said maintaining the integrity of the exercise was critical to the successful implementation of the programme.
The assistance package was announced by President Irfaan Ali as part of a targeted measure aimed at supporting rice farmers nationwide.
Under the programme, farmers cultivating 50 acres or less will receive $15,000 per acre, while those cultivating more than 50 acres will receive $10,000 per acre.
The ministry said the verification exercise is continuing as authorities work to finalise the list of beneficiaries for the distribution of assistance.
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