RICE MODERNIZATION

Purposes of project were to assist the Govt of Guyana (GOG) to increase GDP growth rate to 7%, increase rice farmer income, increase rice export earnings by l%, and enable the rice industry to compete effectively in the world market. Evaluation methodology not defined. Although the project was beset by technical and construction delays, and inflation lowered expected returns, all the socio-economic objectives of the project were exceeded. The rice component of GDP expanded at an annual rate nearly double the rate of the total GDP due to: increased paddy and rice production, developments and use of improved rice varieties, the associated increase in the value of the Guyana Rice Board (GRB) rice purchases, and holding down the operating costs of the drying/storage centers. Increased rice production has enabled GOG to expand rice exports which have increased at an annual rate of 18.8%. The establishment of 6 paddy drying/storage centers, a needed rice storage facility in Georgetown, and a pure-line seed storage unit and rice research station now in operation, have benefited GOG's export trade since they provide greater rice storage capacities and prevent rice deterioration. The development of a seed program has promoted the increased production of approved varieties and played a key role in improving Guyana's rice industry, thereby increasing importance of double cropping. Farmers increased their yield of approved varieties from a few thousand bags in 1970 to over 4 million in 1977. These new varieties have increased annual labor payrolls and off-farm employment by a million Guyana dollars. The formation of the GRB from two separate GOG rice organizations has coorindated GOG's rice program through more effective administration. The only project objective not fully realized was to develop GRB's capacity to effectively compete in the world market.