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Mana Rice Mills
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The Mana rice mills in western French Guiana are the hub of the territory's most significant agro-industry. Since the 1980s, the Mana region has developed into a breadbasket, where large-scale rice cultivation is practiced on fertile polders. The mills process the harvests on-site, utilizing modern techniques for drying, husking, and packaging the grain. Production covers a significant portion of local demand, reducing reliance on imports from Suriname or Southeast Asia. The industry creates numerous jobs in a region otherwise dominated by forestry. The Mana rice mills are a symbol of agricultural diversification and efforts toward food sovereignty in the Guianese Amazon. Despite climatic challenges, the rice sector remains a stable economic factor for the commune of Mana.
- Location: French Guiana
- Top sights: Makandra : centre d'action sociale · Église Saint-Joseph-de-Mana
- Nearby: Awala-Yalimapo (16 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug–Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 25 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 27 | 26 |
| Rain mm | 210 | 182 | 166 | 275 | 383 | 292 | 198 | 113 | 57 | 64 | 104 | 216 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Mana Rice Mills are the central industrial processing hub for rice agriculture in northwestern French Guiana. They handle cleaning, drying, and packaging of the bulk of the regional rice harvest, supplying both local markets and export.
Visiting
The facility is not usually open to the public for safety reasons, as heavy machinery operates inside. From the surrounding main road, however, the impressive silos and building structure are clearly visible.
Where to view it
The best viewpoint is along the access road running past the site, offering a broad view of the entire mill complex. A slight elevation nearby, such as a small hill, provides an even better panorama of the industrial facility across the flat landscape.
Local products
Rice is by far the most important local product; nearby shops and markets offer various rice varieties from the region. Seasonal specialties include fresh rice products right after the harvest, which typically occurs between August and November.
Active season
The mills are most active during and right after the rice harvest, typically from August to November. During this time, heavy truck traffic brings in paddy rice, and processing runs at full capacity.
Nearby
A visit can be combined with a trip to the coastal towns of Sinnamary or Iracoubo, which offer traditional markets and historical sites. A boat tour on the nearby Maroni River is also a great way to explore the region from the water.
Geography
Facts
- Mana is considered the primary rice-growing region in French Guiana.
- Field irrigation is managed through a complex system of canals.
- Harvesting typically occurs twice a year.
- Rice from Mana is sold under local brand names throughout French Guiana.
- The mills are a major buyer for independent small-scale farmers.
- Mechanized harvesting methods are used to increase overall efficiency.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Mana Rice Mills (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why is Mana famous for rice?
Mana is the center of rice cultivation in French Guiana.
Can you visit the rice mills?
Visits are usually only possible for groups by prior appointment.
When is harvest time?
There are usually two harvests per year, depending on the rain cycle.
Is there a shop on site?
Local rice is often sold in the supermarkets of Mana.
What else can you see in Mana?
The beaches of Awala-Yalimapo (turtle watching) are nearby.
Mana Rice Mills: where is it located?
Mana Rice Mills is located in French Guiana.
Mana Rice Mills: what is there to see?
Highlights include Makandra: centre d'action sociale, Église Saint-Joseph-de-Mana.
Mana Rice Mills: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Oct.
Mana Rice Mills: why is it worth visiting?
The Mana rice mills in western French Guiana are the hub of the territory's most significant agro-industry.
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Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni
A historic town along the Maroni River, known for its former penal colony and vibrant, multicultural atmosphere.
Awala-Yalimapo
An indigenous coastal community, world-famous as a nesting site for the massive leatherback sea turtles.
History & landmarks
Saint-Jean-du-Maroni Camp
The abandoned remains of the relegation camp, which formerly housed repeat offenders from the French justice system.
Saint-Joseph Church of Iracoubo
A colorful and elaborately decorated wooden church in Iracoubo, painted entirely on the inside by a former convict.
Petit-Saut Dam
A massive hydroelectric dam on the Sinnamary River that supplies a significant portion of electricity for French Guiana.
Nature
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Acarouany Forest
An important forest reserve in the northwest of French Guiana.
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Amana Nature Reserve
A vast coastal reserve encompassing wetlands and beaches, serving as an important nesting ground for birds.
Saint-Laurent River Port
An important river port on the Maroni, facilitating border trade with Suriname and access to the interior.
Camp de la Transportation
The main penal colony facility where prisoners arrived in French Guiana before being distributed.
Église de Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni
A prominent church in the border city, built in the early 20th century by convicts.
Saint-Laurent Timber Industry
Several large sawmills in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni process tropical hardwoods from the surrounding forests.
Toucan Rum Distillery
A local agricultural business in Saint-Laurent that grows sugarcane and traditionally processes it into quality rum.
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Organabo Forest
A forest and savanna area on the north coast between Iracoubo and Mana.