Reference Date: 31-January-2023

Planting operations of 2023 first paddy crop nearing completion

Planting of the 2023 first paddy crop, accounting for about half of the annual production, is nearing completion. According to satellite imagery, conditions of germinating crops are overall good. Plantings are expected at slightly a above‑average level, which represents a rebound from the below‑average levels of 2021 and 2022. In the February to April period, above‑average rainfall amounts are forecast in the key producing costal areas and, if materialized, close monitoring of pest infestations will be warranted. To boost paddy production, the government plans to invest over GYD 300 million (equivalent to USD 1.4 million) in 2023 in developing new biofortified rice varieties, identifying an effective system to control pests and building new agricultural infrastructure (paddy drying floors) in regions 3 and 5.

Paddy output in 2022 estimated at near‑average level

The 2022 paddy production is officially estimated at 939 000 tonnes, similar to the previous five‑year average and about 8 percent higher than the flood‑affected 2021 output. While sowings were below average due to the saturated ground at planting time, an increased use of high‑yielding varieties and enhanced drainage, and irrigation structures resulted in above‑average yields. In addition, the government distributed free fertilizers to rice farmers, with a budget of GYD 900 million (about USD 4.3 million) .

Rice export estimated at below‑average levels in 2022

Rice is the country’s most important exportable agricultural commodity and, on average, about half of the annual production is exported. Rice exports are estimated to have declined in the 2022 marketing year (January/December) for the second consecutive year. The decline was due to a reduced exportable surplus in 2021 and a weak international demand in 2022.

Disclaimer: The designations employed and the presentation of material in this information product do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of FAO concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

This brief was prepared using the following data/tools:
FAO/GIEWS Country Cereal Balance Sheet (CCBS) https://www.fao.org/giews/data-tools/en/ .

FAO/GIEWS Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Tool https://fpma.fao.org/ .

FAO/GIEWS Earth Observation for Crop Monitoring https://www.fao.org/giews/earthobservation/ .

Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) https://www.ipcinfo.org/ .