General Secretary of the Guyana Rice Producers Association, Dharamkumar Seeraj
General Secretary of the Guyana Rice Producers Association, Dharamkumar Seeraj, has disclosed that the Venezuelan market is a great avenue opened to farmers throughout Guyana for the direct sale of rice and paddy.
In an interview with Guyana Times International on March 17, Seeraj disclosed that the market will allow local farmers to export both rice and paddy. He said the initiative is a brainchild of President Bharrat Jagdeo and many farmers have benefited. “So far, we see that the venture is bearing fruit and many farmers are exporting via the market, and are gaining whooping profits.” According to him, two weeks ago, the GRPA signed a contract with the Venezuelan government on the arrangement of prices.
He said farmers can expect a better price with the market. “With the relationship with Venezuela, there is an increase in market price from US$420-US$480 for paddy and US$720-US$800 for rice per tone, and this itself means an increase for farmers.” Seeraj pointed out that prices have been finalised, but the GRPA has to decide on the shipping schedule across the border.
He urged farmers to remain optimistic, outlining that with the Venezuelan market farmers will be given a better price. He said there are many reasons why farmers should choose the market, outlining that the arrangement is a government contract and the market accepts both rice and paddy.
He described the arrangement as “excellent”, stating that it is the first time in the history of rice that the government has taken up the mantle to establish a market for the sale of paddy and rice. “There is a guaranteed market, hence better prices for farmers,” he said. Previously farmers were ripped off “big time” by millers when they were given post-dated cheques and late payments for their paddy. Seeraj said farmers throughout the rice-growing regions have attested that they are benefiting from the Venezuelan market.
He said that, in Region Two, there is a farmers group comprising 35 farmers who are exporting paddy directly to the market.
Farmers in Regions Five and Six are also utilising the market.
Seeraj said he has visited several millers on the Essequibo Coast and has observed that their price for paddy is between Gy$3,800 and Gy$4,000 per bag, depending on the grade.
