Plizio Visual Lab

Black Bush Polder Rice Fields

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Agriculture

Weather…

Black Bush Polder is a massive agricultural development scheme located in the East Berbice-Corentyne region of Guyana. Initiated in the late 1950s and completed in the early 1960s, it was designed to settle hundreds of landless families and expand the country's rice production capacity. The scheme is divided into four main sections known as Lesbeholden, Mibikuri, Johanna, and Yakusari, covering over 31,000 acres of fertile land. It features an intricate network of irrigation canals and drainage systems that draw water from the Canje River to support year-round cultivation. As one of the largest rice-producing areas in the nation, it plays a vital role in Guyana's export economy and food security. The infrastructure also includes access roads and community centers that support the thousands of residents living within the polder. Today, Black Bush Polder remains a cornerstone of Guyanese agriculture, reflecting the country's historical emphasis on large-scale land reclamation and settlement projects.

Location: Guyana
Nearby: Fyrish (6 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Sep, Oct.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	26	26	26	27	26	26	26	26	27	28	28	27
Rain mm	138	111	103	149	266	235	228	147	66	65	93	183

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The Black Bush Polder Rice Fields are a massive agricultural project in the Berbice region, one of Guyana's most important rice-growing areas. The harvest supplies both the local market and exports across the Caribbean.

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Visiting

The fields are visible from public roads, stretching across a vast plain. Visitors can walk along the dikes and observe agricultural activities up close.

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Where to view it

An optimal viewpoint is the dike along the Berbice River, where endless rice fields stretch to the horizon. Small elevations along the drainage canals also offer good panoramas.

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Local products

The main product is of course rice, grown here in several varieties from long-grain to sticky rice. Seasonally, fish and shrimp from the irrigation canals are also available.

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Active season

The main harvest season is during the dry period from August to November, when the golden rice fields are reaped. During the rainy season, the land is prepared for the next sowing.

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Nearby

Visiting the rice fields can be combined with exploring the Berbice River region, including the town of New Amsterdam. The nearby Canje Bird Sanctuary is also a worthwhile destination for nature lovers.