By Saskia Warrick
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has announced that Guyana’s rice sector is on track to exceed production targets for the year.
Mustapha revealed that rice cultivation is projected to surpass 710,000 tonnes by the end of the year, showcasing a significant increase from previous years.
He highlighted the sector’s growth trajectory, with yields per hectare rising from approximately 4.5 tonnes to 6.5 tonnes over four years.
Moreover, exports have witnessed a substantial uptick, with first-quarter exports surpassing last year’s figures by 33,000 tonnes.
This surge underscores the need for enhanced productivity measures to sustain this momentum.
To further boost productivity, the government has sourced paddies from Brazil and introduced bio-fortified rice varieties for the second crop’s cultivation.
These initiatives aim to diversify and expand the agriculture sector, positioning Guyana as a key player in the regional food supply chain while ensuring food security.