With a promise of new jobs for persons on the West Bank of Demerara, the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GuySuCo) today announced that preparations are underway for the commencement of rice cultivation at the Wales Estate.
This will be done in collaboration with the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), GuySuCo said, however, did not disclose the details, promising that the “details of the partnership arrangement are being developed and upon completion, a statement will be made by the two partners.”
The GRDB 10 variety of seed paddy will be grown and the GRDB 13 Aromatic rice is being considered as another variety to be cultivated at that location.
“It is important to note that GuySuCo’s interest in rice is as a component of an integrated commercial aquaculture production and processing project. Therefore seed paddy cultivation is a part of the diversification programme and is a preparatory measure to support the aquaculture project” the sugar corporation said.
Also included in the rice cultivation project is the plan to produce bran for fish feed.
“Nearly 60% of the cost of growing fish, for example, tilapia, can be the cost of the feed; as such, the rice bran is being evaluated as an essential ingredient of the feed,” GuySuCo said.
It is envisaged that these operations would be components of an agriculture processing complex at the Wales Factory site that may also include, meat, dairy and fruit processing from multiple agriculture operations; both from the estate lands as well as farms from the community.
