– Teams meet with Region Two farmers, implement measures
The Ministry of Agriculture concluded a visit to Region Two on Sunday, as part of an outreach programme in light of the prevailing El Nino weather conditions. Several additional measures were implemented to ensure irrigation needs are met.
Recently, the Ministry’s National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) approved $4M for the Region Two Administration to purchase fuel for the continued operation of the Dawa and other irrigation pumps. This sum was approved after representation was made to Agriculture Minister, Robert Persaud by the Region Two Administration on behalf of farmers.
The NDIA is currently working with the Region Two Administration and farmers’ groups to undertake critical works to conserve irrigation water during the current drought-like conditions which are affecting the cultivation of crops and livestock rearing. Work is ongoing to tap an additional source of irrigation water from the Lima Sands area which will be distributed to farmlands via the main irrigation canal. To support this project, the NDIA has provided four 30-inch diameter HDPE tubes to channel flows from the swamp to the main irrigation canal.
Further, the Ministry’s National Dairy Development Programme is undertaking a countrywide assessment of the needs of cattle and other small ruminant farmers to ensure they have access to water.  Already the NDIA has excavated a number of canals both for irrigation of crops and provision of water to animals,
while efforts are being made to extend support to other affected areas.
Meanwhile, the Ministry will continue its outreach programme to other farming communities to work with farmers and stakeholders to undertake necessary interventions as the El Nino conditions prevail. (GINA)