TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER IN SMALLHOLDER RICE FARMS IN GUYANA: THE SUCCESS STORY OF THE SIX IMPROVED PRACTICES

Guyana’s Agriculture Sector contributes 20% to the Gross Domestic product and is the source of livelihood for nearly 38 % of the population. This sector continues to grow being the main vehicle for poverty alleviation and overall economic development of the Country, while successfully keeping pace with the rising food demand of the country and the region as a whole. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) has been the pillar of the agriculture sector in Guyana. The production of this staple food has seen an increasing trend over the past decade, recording the highest production in history of 535,000 tons in 2013. Today more than ever, increased food production depends on judicious use of resources, if the environment is to be preserved. Additionally, issues such as climate change, climate variability, and its long-term impact on food security and environmental sustainability, have become increasingly important. Many factors such as weather, soil, genetics and management considerations affect the way the rice crop will responds to irrigation, fertilizer and other management practices. Determining appropriate crop management strategies under these uncertainties has major economic and environmental implications. The six improved practices promoted by the Guyana Rice Development Board have proven to be a successful management strategy in improving farmer’s productivity. In this study we examine the use of the six improved practice as a tool of scientific agriculture production in selected rice growing regions. The study found that farmers who adopted the six improved practices recorded more than 25 % increase in yields when compared to their conventional practices, resulting in these farmers earning higher profits. The Guyana Rice Development Board will continue to promote the adoption of this technology for the continued enhancement of the social and economic development of the farm families of Guyana’s rice industry.