Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha said the government has strengthened its verification systems to ensure transparency and accountability in the distribution of financial assistance to rice farmers countrywide.
During an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Monday, Minister Mustapha explained that several mechanisms have been implemented to verify farmers before payments are approved.
“As you know, we have to ensure that we have proper accountability and transparency, so a number of verification mechanisms have been put in place to ensure that only deserving farmers benefit from the assistance,” the minister stated.
He noted that while the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) maintains records of acreage cultivated, additional checks are being conducted to ensure accuracy.
According to the agriculture minister, farmers are required to present vouchers for paddy supplied to mills. He said this information is also cross-checked with millers’ receipts and community verification systems.
“We are cross checking the acreage records from the GRDB with farmers’ vouchers, millers’ receipts and community verification systems to ensure there is fairness, accuracy and accountability throughout the process,” Minister Mustapha explained.
The minister added that local committees in rice-producing communities are also assisting with the verification exercise to prevent irregularities and ensure public confidence in the programme.
He further expressed optimism that the registration process will be completed by the end of the month.
More than $480.5 million in financial assistance was distributed to 1,618 rice farmers in Region Five in January, as the government moves to strengthen the rice industry and support farmers.
The support forms part of a wider national initiative, with approximately $2.1 billion being invested to sustain rice production, improve food security, and bolster one of Guyana’s major agricultural sectors. (Department of Public Information)
