FARMERS welcome the $258 M relief by President Jagdeo in Region 2.The El Nino weather phenomenon has taken its toll on Region 2 where 35,500 acres was cultivated for the first crop this year .Of the 35,500 acres which have been sown, there will be heavy losses because of the lack of irrigation water and the continuous dry weather.
The areas most affected: are the northern side of the Region and the front lands. Every effort would have to be made to catch up on the shortfall in the first crop during the second crop.
The President should be commended for his assistance of $258M to the farmers. Distribution of seed paddy must commence soon after harvesting to all affected farmers. Farmers who have access to irrigation water should be advised to go for an early crop so the harvesting can commence in August.
Farmers who had irrigated their fields with salt water should be advised to flush out their fields with fresh water before sowing. The sowing and harvesting of an early crop will enable the industry to meet its commitments on the export market. However, with the assistance being given to farmers and the indication that the El Nino phenomenon is over and there will be no recurrence of a drought like weather conditions in Guyana should not be taken lightly. The main problem facing the crop has been the lack of irrigation water due to long dry season.
The Ministry of Agriculture must put some emergency measures in place to help alleviate the irrigation water problem in this Region now. (1) Supply of irrigation water under a schedule to farmers served by the Main Canal running from North to South. (2) Install a sluice across the Main Canal at Lima with seven – door. (3) Empolder the Burn Bush area to store more water from Dawa Pumping Station.