By Mark DaCosta- In a distressing turn of events for our nation’s agricultural sector, hundreds of rice farmers from Essequibo are grappling with significant financial losses due to unpaid dues from a major rice mill operator. This situation has been exacerbated by the apparent inaction of the government, leaving farmers at the mercy of rising debts as they prepare for the upcoming planting season.
Reports indicate that numerous farmers have approached Azruddin Mohamed, the opposition leader, to voice their grievances regarding overdue payments for paddy supplied to Nazimul Hack, who runs rice milling operations in Golden Fleece. Alarmingly, these outstanding payments, stretching into hundreds of millions of dollars, have remained unresolved since the last harvest cycle in 2025. As the 2026 planting season approaches, the failure to settle these debts places immense pressure on the farmers, many of whom have invested substantial resources into their operations.
Mr. Hack has reportedly claimed a lack of funds to meet his payment obligations. Additionally, there appears to be a troubling pattern emerging: small-scale farmers who cultivate below five acres have reportedly received their payments, while those with larger holdings, predominantly medium- to large-scale operators, have been left unpaid. This disparity raises questions about the practices of the miller and the support, or lack thereof, from the government, particularly as most rice farmers possess far more than the minimum acreage.
Last year, the Hack Rice Millers were recipients of a hefty financial disbursement amounting to approximately $3 billion, intended to facilitate payments to farmers. However, it remains unclear whether these funds have been repaid to the government, nor can farmers ascertain if they will receive further assistance this season. The lack of transparency surrounding this financial matter compounds the farmers’ frustrations, who are left wondering where their money is while they continue to face mounting financial pressure.
The We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party has now called upon Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha to address this urgent situation. The party’s appeals highlight the pressing need for the government to take tangible action, rather than remaining passive in the face of worsening hardships inflicted upon the farming community. WIN’s spotlight on this issue underscores a broader concern shared by rice farmers nationwide, as many face similar challenges with delayed payments, inadequate support, and a government that seems to be indifferent to their plight.
The role of rice farmers is crucial to the economic stability and food security of our nation. As one of the primary agricultural outputs, rice not only feeds our citizens but also supports numerous livelihoods across various regions. The current crisis, compounded by missed payments and inadequate governmental support, threatens to destabilise not just the lives of these farmers but also the agricultural sector as a whole. If left unaddressed, the repercussions could extend beyond immediate financial losses, impacting food availability and prices for consumers throughout our country.
As farmers demand their rightful dues, the call is clear: the government must step in and act decisively to ensure that payments are made promptly. Farmers across our nation deserve support and justice, not neglect and half-hearted measures. Without immediate intervention, the future of many farming families and, indeed, the stability of the agricultural industry hangs in the balance.
