-supplies sent to El Nino affected communities
The Ministry of Agriculture Saturday dispatched a quantity of supplies to Region Nine communities as part of government’s national response to El Nino and to honour President Bharrat Jagdeo’s commitment to the Toshaos’ request for assistance during his recent visit to Region Nine.
President Bharrat Jagdeo had met with the Toshaos in the Rupununi during his Easter weekend visit and discussed the challenges and solutions to the prevailing El Niño phenomenon which has wreaked havoc on several communities, particularly in terms of accessing potable water and sustaining their crops.
During the discussions, the Toshaos were given the chance to explain the challenges they face as a result of El Niño and to suggest the best possible solution.

This initiative is part of an additional $11M budgeted to assist approximately 56 communities in the current El Nino conditions, as government continues to capitalize on limited resources.
A quantity of supplies, including water tanks, to aid in water storage and irrigation, spray cans and a supply of chemical and ant bait to control and eliminate acoushi ants were sent off by trucks

Similar assistance is in place for Regions One, Seven, and Eight, while farmers on the coast will receive planting materials to begin production, and to reduce any disruption.
Although farmers are experiencing challenges due the drought season, there has not been any significant fall out in production.
The administration is fully cognizant of the difficulties and is committed to bringing full scale relief to those who depend on farming for a living.
Among the many interventions made are supplying planting materials, fertilizers for cash crops and potable water tanks to service communities in desperate need, such as the Amerindian villages and other remote areas. (GINA)