Shelly-Ann Thompson, Staff Reporter

THE JAMAICAN Government has reached out to Guyana for assistance to resume rice production locally, a move which has already received support from private sector companies which have pledged funding for the venture.

This is according to Agriculture Minister Dr Christopher Tufton.

"With regards to growing rice, so far we have met with potential investors and private entities who have expressed an interest in the area," Tufton told The Gleaner.

Jamaica Broilers backs plan

At least one company, the Jamaica Broilers Group, has offered to put up an initial investment of $5 million to start production of the staple here, while the Government awaits a report from the Guyanese on the viability of growing the crop.

In an interview with The Gleaner yesterday, Robert Levy, chief executive officer of Jamaica Broilers, said spiralling commodity prices, coupled with a global shortage of the grain, has heightened the potential for Jamaica to reconsider growing rice for local consumption. The price of rice has so far risen 20 per cent on the international market and, based on current trends, that is expected to climb even higher.

"What we have said is that we will put $5 million as an initial investment," said Levy.

However, the extent of Jamaica Broilers' involvement will be known on Tuesday when Levy and Tufton are scheduled to meet to iron out an agreement.

"Whether it is to be grown by Jamaica Broilers, where and when it will be grown, those details are to be worked out," said Levy.

Tufton said Guyana has already acted on the request for assistance and is expected to provide the report within two weeks.

Proposal to grow in Guyana

The CARICOM neighbour has reportedly also offered to provide land to the Jamaican Government to grow the staple in Guyana. Tufton has confirmed the offer.

Guyana, which is currently at loggerheads with Jamaica over a contract to supply Jamaica with rice, has discussed the possibility of cultivating the paddy in Jamaica with the Government.

A location for cultivating the crop has not been sealed off, but Levy noted that the former rice growing area in the BRUMDEC (the Black River Upper Morass Development Project) of Elim, St Elizabeth, is one of the potential sites.

The Guyanese, while on the island less than a week ago, had visited the site, Tufton said.

"The discussions are very preliminary but we are definitely looking into the viability of re-growing rice locally," said the agriculture minister.

The ministry is also in the process of packaging a proposal outlining the former rice growing areas in Jamaica.

Local rice production, said Tufton, would be enough to satisfy local consumption, as well as, for substituting corn in the production of feedstock for the livestock industry.

"We are taking a very holistic approach at producing foods for local consumption," he said, "but a lot depends on the feasibility."

shelly-ann.thompson@gleanerjm.com