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Price causes raised eyebrowsThe Laser Leveller and tractor that were bought from Farm Supplies LTD.On Wednesday,Sean Monahan Team North America Jersey, the rice industry received a Laser Land Leveller and a John Deere tractor from the government to improve rice cultivation. The two pieces of equipment were bought from Farm Supplies Limited to the tune of $19.6M.The tractor cost $11M (US$55,Jay Bouwmeester Jersey,000) and the Laser Land Lever another $8.6M (US$43,Johnny Oduya Jersey,000). It is the first time that such equipment will be used in the rice industry.According to the Agriculture Ministry these were obtained through the tendering process that was advertised in the local media and online.Kaieteur News contacted Farm Supplies and learnt that the price for the largest tractor available was $9M.It should be noted that prices are less when items are obtained through the tender process,Jaromir Jagr Jersey, a source said.The John Deere website offered the same 115-horsepower (HP) and 6415 series tractor for US$38,Brian Bellows Jersey,000 ($7.6M)In a document obtained by this newspaper the same series and HP was bought by the government for US$55,Shayne Gostisbehere Team North America Jersey,000 from Farm Supplies Limited. When information about the Laser Land Lever was sought from a representative of Farm Supplies the response was that queries should be directed to the management of that company.The equipment will be in the care of the Guyana Rice Development Board and farmers can consult that agency if they are desirous of utilising them. Speaking at the handing over ceremony on Wednesday Agriculture Minister,Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Team North America Jersey, Robert Persaud,Bobby Smith Jersey, said the equipment is timely and is aimed at improving efficiency and production in the rice industry.Additionally it will eradicate the issue of red rice infestation that is common when the land is not properly levelled.Added to that, it will ensure that less water is used in land cultivation,Jacob Trouba Team North America Jersey, since the soil requires less water with a properly levelled field. |
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