E’bo rice farmers appeal for duty free concessions on fuel

Rice farmers on the Essequibo Coast are again appealing to the Government for duty free concessions on fuel and essential pesticides.

This appeal was made last Thursday when farmers met with the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), during a Rice Farmer’s Association meeting.

The farmers believe that the rice industry, being one of the largest agro industries in Guyana, should be offered concessions to foster its development.

One farmer added: “We want something to be done about the fuel cost right now, because other sectors in Guyana are already getting duty free fuel. Farmers are always feeling the squeeze and we feel that if we are granted duty free fuel then we would be at much more ease.”

Farmers said that to ensure there is adequate transparency and accountability, persons should only be offered reduction on fuel, per acre. One farmer explained, “My recommendation is that you work it out per acre. If $1000 gotta come off from fuel per acre, work with that. GRDB would have data as to how much acres people plant, so they can’t come and claim for more fuel than they need.” Present at the meeting was Manager of the GRDB’s Anna Regina branch, Devindranauth Singh. Farmers were disappointed, however, the general manager of GRDB, Nizam Hassan, was not present. While the appeal was made to the panel that turned up, farmers said that they would have more confidence in their appeal being heard, if Mr. Hassan was present. Farmers at the time were seeking clarity as to what the GRDB can do to ensure that this appeal is acted upon. The GRDB representative said he cannot disclose what transpires at the board meetings. The representative noted that the farmers’ pleas would be heard at the GRDB board meetings.

(Kaieteur News)