By Indrawattie Natram
Thousands of farmers throughout Guyana from the various rice growing areas are reaping the benefits of the Venezuela fertiliser deal that was made possible by the Agriculture Ministry through the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) and the Rice Producer’s Association (RPA).
Farmers are indeed thankful to the ministry and the major rice stakeholders for creating such a competitive market, one that has made the price for fertiliser dropped significantly.
They are very much thankful and expressed their gratitude at a farmers’ meeting held last Friday in the GRDB boardroom at Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast.
One farmer, from West Bury, John Goberdhan said the intervention was a time ly one and has fostered much competition. Goberdhan said fertilisers are now available cheaper than last year. Another farmer from Perservance, Prem Sukhai, said he is happy that an intervention has been made to address their problems. The farmers say often they are being ripped- off by local suppliers of fertiliser and they now feel a comfort receiving representation.
GRDB General Manager Jagnarine Singh called for cooperation from farmers to ensure the smooth flow of fertiliser distribution in the various regions. He made it known that fertilisers are available at different locations throughout rice growing areas and at a reasonable price.
Same price
Singh said farmers in Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice have to pay the same price, despite more transportation is involved. He explained to farmers at a meeting that the intervention was made to help farmers reduce production cost.
Once production costs remain low, farmers will reap profits, he said, noting that bringing fertiliser from Venezuela to farmers here (in Guyana) is a “risk”, but the GRDB has the farmers’ interest at heart.
RPA General Secretary Dharamkumar Seeraj said farmers are being supplied with urea and fertiliser at a reduced cost for the current autumn crop. He urged farmers to make the most of the offer and reminded them that their interest will always be protected.
Seeraj, using a practical example, said farmers will be saving Gy$ 1500 per bag of fertiliser purchased, as compared to last year.
According to Region Two GRDB superintendent, Deoram Prahalad, farmers are entitled to one bag of urea/ fertiliser for each acre sown for up to 30 acres, while farmers with acreages above will not receive an additional amount.
Each farmer is being charged Gy$ 5000 per bag for fertiliser/ urea. The officer said the GRDB Extension Department will be responsible for facilitating the payment of fertiliser made by the farmers and the actual distribution.
