Guyana’s rice industry is entering a new era, with bold government investments driving higher yields, stronger prices for farmers, and expansion into international markets, according to Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha.During an interview at the sidelines of an event on Wednesday, Minister Mustapha said the country is on track to produce 810,000 tonnes of rice in 2025—an increase of 100,000 tonnes over last year.“For the next 3 months, we might have about 500,000 tons of rice in the country to export on different market.“[We are looking at] Middle East and South-West Africa, because we have European countries, we have some countries in Asia, we have the Caribbean markets. We are looking at new markets Middle East,” the minister said.Currently, Guyana exports to Latin America and the European Union.Over the past year, government injected $1.9 billion into the sector, contributing $300 per bag of paddy sold to millers, and delivered another $2 billion in fertiliser to ease farmers’ production costs. As a result, prices have climbed, with some farmers now receiving between $3,000 and $3,500 per bag.“We always encourage increased production, but it must come with reduced costs,” Mustapha said.Minister Mustapha mentioned a major $850 million farm-to-market road in the Moleson Creek–Jackson Creek area is set to boost access and open new opportunities.The Ministry is also working to address high land rental rates, which remain one of the biggest expenses for farmers. The government’s diversification push is reviving sugar cultivation in Skeldon, where 5,000 hectares are being replanted, and advancing plans to bring 35,000 acres in Corentyne under coconuts, citrus, cocoa and coffee.“We are looking at an investor. We have some interest in people investing in building a sugar factory back once again in Skeldon.“We have other investors coming in to look at all crops, things like farm and what we have been doing [with] cocoa and coffee,” he said. The post Gov’t targets record rice harvest, new markets as investors pitch factory revitalisation appeared first on News Room Guyana.