When we think about planting rice the scene of men large tractors hauling plows through large flooded fields preparing the land for men to “throw” paddy and manure to ensure a successful crop. The vision never entails seeing a woman in the field because of the misconception that it is a man’s world but for 62-year old Kussilla Jugdeo it is the only world she knows.
Kussilla, the daughter of a rice farmer, said growing up she always enjoyed being in the field with her father and cherished those moments. By being in the fields, Kussilla learned at an early age the ticks and trade of the rice sector, which only fueled her drive to be just like her father.
“I grew up in a rice farming family and I was well acquainted to the rice business and I know everything. I like being in the business but sometimes it gets to you,” she said.
Kussilla later got married and it was no surprise that her husband is also a rice farmers. She now lives at Mora Point, Mahaicony Creek and farms approximately 150 acres while her husband has his separate plot. However, she explains that at first it was only her husband who farmed while she stayed at home and took on the role of the traditional housewife and mother.
During the years, she would give birth to three children and after that, she decided to enter into the farming world so as to supplement the household income. She first started very small with the assistance of her husband and knowledge gained from earlier she began her journey.
At first, it was challenging for her since she would have to take care of the home as well as be in the fields ensuring that everything was being done to her liking. Over the years, as her children aged Kussilla began expanding her fields and even got her children involved. 
With the help of the Small Business Development Finance Trust, Kussilla’s field has expanded to over the 150 acres and creates employment within her community. However, like every rice farmer the challenges faced by her are many and ranges from infrastructure to weather.
“The dam does give we some trouble but that is not all. With the weather and so all of that we foes got to worry about. If the rain fall too much and the (rice) beg get too much flood then it will dead out and if we don’t get enough water then they will dead out too. But when the weather is good then it is good crop,” Kussilla explains.
For Kussilla “rice farming is in my blood” and she does not take that lightly and invests every ounce of herself to ensure she succeed every crop. When asked about being a woman in the industry, she laughs and states that at no point she felt strange or even targeted.
“It is not strange at all for me. I feel like it was what I was made for because I am comfortable here. I am not here just for the money but to show that once you put your mind to something, it doesn’t matter if you are a man or woman just know what you want and go for it,” she advises.
For Kussilla everyone should do what they love because it is only then they would be successful and comfortable. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)
