(Kaieteur News) – Rice farmers in Region Three began receiving more than $201 million in cash grants as the government fulfilled a commitment made by President Irfaan Ali to help reduce production costs and strengthen the rice industry.

The distribution exercise, held at the Leonora Track and Field Centre on Tuesday, will benefit 560 farmers cultivating 15,636 acres of rice.

Farmers cultivating 50 acres or less are receiving $15,000 per acre, while those cultivating more than 50 acres are receiving $10,000 per acre, representing a total payout of $201.7 million for the region.