More than 1,400 rice farmers from Region Six on Friday received in excess of $862 million in relief grants under His Excellency, President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s rice farmer relief programme, a targeted initiative aimed at supporting producers as the industry continues to navigate increasing global challenges affecting agricultural production, input costs, and international markets.
Agriculture Minister, Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha, spearheaded the distribution exercise at the Bush Lot Secondary School on the Corentyne Coast, where farmers gathered to receive their cheques. Collectively, rice farmers in Region Six cultivated more than 74,000 acres during the first crop of 2026, making the region one of the country’s leading rice-producing areas.
The relief programme fulfills a commitment made by President Ali during a consultation with hundreds of rice farmers at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in April this year. Through the initiative, farmers cultivating 50 acres or less are receiving $15,000 per acre, while those cultivating more than 50 acres are receiving $10,000 per acre.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Mustapha commended rice farmers for their resilience and unwavering commitment to the industry despite the many challenges facing the global rice market. He said the Government recognizes the sacrifices made by farmers and remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring they receive the support needed to continue producing.
“Despite all the challenges facing the industry, our farmers continue to plant because they believe in farming, they believe in this sector, and they believe in the future of Guyana’s agriculture. Today, your government is here to say we see you, we appreciate you, and we stand with you. This cash grant distribution is a demonstration of that commitment. It is a recognition of your contribution. It is support for your production. It is an investment in the continued strength of the rice industry,” Minister Mustapha said.
The Minister emphasized that the relief initiative represents a partnership between the Government and the farming community, aimed at safeguarding one of the country’s most important agricultural industries. He also underscored the critical role that rice farmers continue to play in advancing Guyana’s food security agenda and positioning the country as a regional leader in agricultural production.
“Let me make one thing very clear. This assistance is not about politics. This is about partnership. This is about recognizing the people who have kept food on the tables of Guyanese families for generations. We understand that food security is national security. A country that cannot feed itself is a country that is vulnerable. A country that supports its farmers is a country that protects its future. That is why Guyana has taken a leadership role in strengthening food production within CARICOM and beyond. The farmers of Region Six are a major reason why Guyana can proudly say that we are becoming a leader in agricultural development. Your hard work has placed Guyana on the regional map. Your production has created opportunities. Your resilience has inspired confidence,” the Minister said.
