TOSHOA of Mainstay/Whyaka, Ms. Yvonne Pearson, has reported that the current El Nino weather phenomenon has affected the pineapple crop in the community.

Speaking at the monthly Amerindian Hinterland Affairs Committee meeting of the Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) Regional Democratic Council (RDC), she said low production has led to the closure of the pineapple factory and has put 35 persons, mostly women, out of employment.

Pearson said the weather pattern, which is part of climate change, is also affecting other farmers’ crops.

Farmers of Mainstay/Whyaka cleared many acres of forested land, earlier this year, to expand organic pineapple cultivation.

In addition, Essequibians are accustomed to purchasing the fruits, especially during the Christmas season.

The current weather has also had a serious effect on the rice crop and many fields cannot be sown because of low water level in the conservancies and irrigation canals.