The Surinamese Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries (LVV) has initiated a comprehensive program to regulate rice seed production and combat illegal seed imports that have plagued the country’s agricultural sector. Minister Mike Noersalim announced the government’s plan to strengthen the Anne van Dijk Rice Research Center Nickerie (Adron) and potentially amend existing seed legislation this year.
The developments emerged during high-level consultations between LVV officials and the Association of Interest Groups of Nickerie Rice Growers (VBPN). Minister Noersalim recalled that rice mill operators had previously indicated they would offer premium prices for paddy rice of Adron quality. “If the market pays more for paddy derived from Adron seeds, shouldn’t farmers prioritize planting Adron-certified seeds? While yields might be slightly lower compared to non-Adron seeds, we must evaluate whether the higher market price compensates for this difference,” the minister stated.
Farmers raised significant concerns during the meeting, revealing that Adron currently lacks adequate seed supplies and suitable rice varieties for cultivation. The research institute has suffered from chronic underinvestment in recent years, severely hampering its capacity to develop new seed varieties. Rice expert Nicholaas Pinas proposed sending specialists abroad for advanced training if domestic expertise remains insufficient.
VBPN President Hansraj Jagmohansingh requested that Adron organize informational sessions to keep rice farmers updated on current developments. He further recommended that the research center conduct more extensive studies and provide growers with essential information about optimal rice varieties for cultivation. Notably, it was revealed that during the previous administration, Adron received government funding to produce seeds for only three rice mill operators.
The seed regulation initiative and Adron revitalization form part of a broader package of measures designed to create structural solutions for the rice sector’s challenges. “We need a fundamental approach. While short-term solutions are necessary, we must also consider medium and long-term strategies. This represents one of the fundamental long-term solutions,” emphasized Minister Noersalim.