A total of 2,271 rice farmers in Regions Five and Six have been verified to receive assistance under the government’s recently announced support programme for rice producers.
The figures were disclosed following a series of field visits and verification exercises conducted by rice cultivation verification committees established to identify eligible beneficiaries.
Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha on Wednesday met with members of the committees, who provided updates on the verification process and the results of their assessments.
According to the reports presented, 1,387 farmers in Region Five and 884 farmers in Region Six have been verified and are expected to benefit from the initiative.
Mustapha said the verification exercise was aimed at ensuring that assistance reaches eligible farmers while maintaining transparency and accountability in the distribution process.
“We want to ensure that the assistance reaches the intended beneficiaries and that the process is carried out with the highest level of integrity,” the minister told committee members.
The assistance programme was announced by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali as part of the government’s efforts to support rice farmers and sustain production in one of Guyana’s most important agricultural sectors.
Under the initiative, 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 government has said the programme is intended to provide financial relief to rice farmers while helping to protect livelihoods and maintain production levels within the industry.
Rice remains one of Guyana’s leading agricultural exports and a major source of income for thousands of farmers, particularly in Regions Five and Six, which account for a significant share of the country’s rice production.
