Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud yesterday reported that the water levels of the conservancies are stable, but are being carefully monitored in light of the current El Nino type weather conditions.

Persaud told the Guyana Chronicle that teams of officials have been regularly inspecting the water reservoirs, pointing out that low water levels can negatively affect the farming community.

He said his ministry will on October 22 inspect the East Demerara Water Conservancy.

The Ministry of Agriculture, in a release earlier this month, said the Hydromet Department has indicated that a weak El Nino was present during July 2009, but is expected to strengthen, as the probability for El Nino in September/October is estimated at 80%. 

Given this outlook, the Hydromet Department said it is expected that El Nino-like effects will affect most of Guyana during August –October 2009, and may include generally below average rainfall over most of Guyana.

However, the release noted that at a meeting on August 31st, it was reported that the present conditions could prevail until the first quarter of 2010.

Persaud is hoping that the dry season peters out before the first quarter of next year, noting that if this does not happen, farmers will be affected.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture has established a national task force to look into the situation and make necessary interventions to bring relief to farmers and residents.

The task force has since visited Regions Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam), Three (West Demerara/ Essequibo Islands), Four (Demerara/Mahaica), Five (Mahaica/Berbice), Six (East Berbice/Corentyne), and several hinterland areas. 

Farmers and residents have been urged to conserve and use water efficiently.