More than 1,400 rice farmers from Region Six on Friday received in excess of $862 million in relief grants under President Irfaan Ali’s rice farmer relief programme.
Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, spearheaded the distribution exercise at the Bush Lot Secondary School on the Corentyne Coast.
A release yesterday from the Ministry of Agriculture said that collectively, rice farmers in Region Six cultivated more than 74,000 acres during the first crop of 2026, making the region one of the country’s leading rice-producing areas.
Through the initiative, farmers cultivating 50 acres or less are receiving $15,000 per acre, while those cultivating more than 50 acres are receiving $10,000 per acre.
The release said that Mustapha commended rice farmers for their resilience and unwavering commitment to the industry despite the many challenges facing the global rice market. He said the Government recognizes the sacrifices made by farmers and remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring they receive the support needed to continue producing.
“Despite all the challenges facing the industry, our farmers continue to plant because they believe in farming, they believe in this sector, and they believe in the future of Guyana’s agriculture. Today, your government is here to say we see you, we appreciate you, and we stand with you. This cash grant distribution is a demonstration of that commitment. It is a recognition of your contribution. It is support for your production. It is an investment in the continued strength of the rice industry,” Mustapha said.
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