GEORGETOWN, Guyana - Guyana's government says it will be providing three billion dollars (One Guyana dollar) to support rice farmers impacted by higher fertiliser and fuel costs linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East involving Israel, the United States and Iran.
Rice harvesting (File Photo)President Irfaan Ali, speaking during a meeting with rice farmers, said the funds will be tailored based on the farmers’ direct input as well as ensuring the support reflects their real and varied needs.
“We want to set aside three billion dollars to help you once more, but we want you to help us finalise what format it should be in,” Ali told the stakeholders, adding that the options include direct cash support, fertiliser assistance, subsidies, and acreage-based payment.
He told the meeting that the government’s approach remains consultative and data-driven with the farmers later voting for direct cash transfers.
As a result, the funds will be distributed in the following way: GUY$15,000 per acre for farmers with less than 50 acres of rice fields, GUY$10, 000 per acre for farmers with more than 50 acres of rice fields,
Ali said that the Ministry of Agriculture would immediately begin the task of collecting data in the communities as part of a verification process.
“We want the people in the regions to be involved in the verification so that we can move towards pulling this out,” he said, reiterating that the three billion dollars distribution will be shaped by farmers themselves.
“Our job is to work with you, alongside you,” he added.
