Rice farmers are being encouraged to branch out into livestock, poultry and high-value crop production as the government pushes integrated farming to help reduce farmers’ dependence on rice and create additional sources of income.
Speaking to rice farmers in Region Five during the distribution of cash grants on Tuesday, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha said farmers should consider setting aside a small portion of their land for other agricultural activities that can complement rice cultivation.
“If you can identify even half an acre, one acre, or up to two acres of your land, we will work with you to develop integrated farming,” Minister Mustapha explained.
Under the initiative, farmers will receive technical support from the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) and the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) to establish integrated farming systems.
According to the minister, farmers can use the designated acreage to cultivate high-value crops in shade houses, rear poultry or engage in small livestock production, allowing them to generate additional revenue streams while reducing reliance on rice production.
Mustapha said the move is particularly important as fluctuations in global rice prices continue to affect the industry, making diversification a key strategy for improving the resilience of farming operations.
He said the Ministry of Agriculture will support participating farmers through technical guidance and extension services to assist with the transition.
The diversification drive forms part of the government’s wider agricultural development agenda, which also includes expanding mechanisation, improving irrigation and drainage systems, upgrading farm-to-market roads and opening new export opportunities.
While reaffirming the government’s continued investment in the rice industry, Mustapha said integrated farming would allow farmers to make better use of their land while strengthening household incomes
He encouraged rice farmers to work closely with the ministry’s technical agencies to participate in the programme, noting that broader agricultural diversification will also support Guyana’s efforts to meet increasing regional food demand. (Extracted and modified from the Department of Public Information)
