Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) Caribbean History Practice Exam

The rice industry in British Guiana and Trinidad experienced significant growth primarily due to the contributions of East Indian laborers. Following the abolition of slavery, there was a pressing need for labor in agriculture, especially in crop cultivation like rice. The British colonial authorities recruited East Indian indentured servants to fill this labor gap. These laborers came with agricultural knowledge and skills that were well-suited to the cultivation of rice, thus enhancing production efficiency and output.

In British Guiana, East Indian practices in rice cultivation were particularly influential because they brought techniques and varieties of rice from their native regions. In Trinidad, similar contributions were made, leading to the establishment of rice as a vital crop. Their presence not only helped in increasing the labor force but also in embracing agricultural innovations, which played a crucial role in boosting the rice industry.

While other groups such as Chinese immigrants, African plantation workers, and European settlers contributed to the agricultural landscape, their roles were not as pivotal in the specific growth of the rice industry during this period. The expertise and labor provided by East Indian workers were fundamental to the success and expansion of rice cultivation in both territories.