GEORGETOWN, Guyana – The Guyana Rice Development Board has officially launched a revolutionary high-yielding rice variety named ‘GRDB 18’ at a trial site in Nooten Zuil, East Coast Demerara. This new variety was cultivated on a 4.5-acre farm managed by local agricultural producer A. Sabastian.
During the launch, the Minister of Agriculture highlighted the government’s dedication to advancing agricultural practices through innovation and technology. “This variety is exceptionally tolerant to waterlogging, which is vital for ensuring a high-quality harvest. It also boasts superior grain quality, positioning us to compete effectively in both local and international markets,” the Minister stated.
In just four years, the board has successfully introduced two high-yield rice varieties, starting with GRDB 16 in 2020. The Minister has urged the board to prioritize the development of an additional high-yield rice variety by next November, aimed at elevating rice production standards.
“We must commit to integrating best practices that will transform the rice industry. I am optimistic that we can expand our market reach to approximately 50 additional countries in the coming years,” the Minister said.
Madanlall Ramraj, the Director-General of the Ministry of Agriculture, emphasized the importance of varietal development in boosting rice production in Guyana. He revealed that the rice industry is valued at an impressive $100 billion, with over $42 billion in seed paddy sold to mills last year. Furthermore, mill exports reached $44 billion, complementing billions in local sales, alongside investments in drainage, irrigation, and machinery.
“We remain committed to ensuring farmers benefit from the initiatives implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture,” Ramraj stated.
Additionally, Mahendra Persaud, Chief Scientist at the Guyana Rice Development Board, reported that extensive trials have shown no decline in rice recovery, maintaining an average yield of approximately 7.2 tons per hectare or about 45 bags per acre. This new variety can endure late harvesting and withstand challenging conditions, such as drought, providing hope for enhanced resilience in the rice sector.
