Suriname lawmaker urges intervention in rice sector payment arrears

National Assembly member Rawien Raghoenandan has called on the Surinamese government to intervene regarding persistent payment arrears in the rice sector. Reports and documentation from farmers indicate that certain rice processors are failing to meet their financial obligations to producers in a timely or complete manner.

Some farmers have reportedly been waiting for full payment for up to five harvest seasons. Outstanding debts range from tens of thousands of Surinamese dollars to hundreds of thousands of SRD. Raghoenandan noted that these delays pose a severe threat to the financial stability and continuity of agricultural businesses, as farmers struggle to pay suppliers, banks, and creditors, or to secure working capital for subsequent planting seasons.

Raghoenandan emphasized that the farmer is the foundation of the entire rice production chain and argued that their position must be protected to ensure the industry's survival.