-by Kyler Rollins

A total of 1,484 rice farmers in Region 6 today received a much-needed boost, with over $800 million in relief checks disbursed. The initiative aims to help offset the challenges and rising costs associated with rice cultivation.

The initiative fulfills a commitment made by President Dr. Irfan Ali when he met with rice farmers in April. The payments cover 74,314 acres cultivated during the last crop, with all beneficiaries undergoing a thorough verification process before receiving the checks.

NCN News spoke with several farmers who praised the government for the financial assistance, noting that the support will help ease the burden of production costs. 

One farmer shared that he would be using the money to purchase fertiliser, saying, “I plant about 60 acres of farming, and with the government’s help, it’s very great,”

Eston Ault, another rice farmer, said, “This check will benefit us by starting the crop on expenses, so I’m grateful for the President to help us in this.”

Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting rice farmers, especially during challenging periods when the effects of climate change continue to impact the industry.

“Climate change is real in this part of the world. We used to have five and six inches of rainfall in a two-month period. Now you’re having that within an hour or two hours.That is the thing that we have to now combat, and that is what the government is responding to,” he said.