$1.6B paddy drying and storage facility to benefit 1,500 rice farmers
October 16 2026
More than 1,500 rice farmers are expected to benefit from a $1.6 billion paddy drying and storage facility being constructed at Onderneeming, Region Two, as Guyana continues to invest in strengthening its rice industry.
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha turned the sod for the project on Friday, marking the start of construction of the modern facility, which is expected to improve drying and storage capacity while reducing post-harvest losses.
The fully automated facility, sourced from Turkey and designed to European standards, will feature three silos with a combined storage capacity of 10,000 metric tonnes.
It will also include two tower dryers capable of processing approximately 1,000 tonnes of paddy daily, four wet storage bins, and a modern intake and cleaning system.
Minister Mustapha said the investment is intended to protect farmers’ livelihoods by addressing challenges associated with inadequate drying and storage infrastructure and reducing the amount of paddy lost after harvesting.
The contract was awarded to 4N Hardware Stores Inc., with construction expected to be completed within one year.
Meanwhile, National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) Chairman Lionel Wordsworth disclosed that approximately 10 acres of land are being developed for the project, with additional space set aside to accommodate future expansion.
Once completed, the facility is expected to strengthen post-harvest handling and provide greater support to rice farmers in Region Two.
