Farmers doing well as El Nino abates
–   Chairman
CHAIRMAN of Region Three (West Demerara/Essequibo Islands), Mr. Julius Faerber has reported that rice and cash crop farmers are doing well, now that the El Nino conditions, which had hit them hard, are abating.
He said rice farmers, especially, have suffered major losses since the weather phenomenon created irrigation problems from last year.
Faerber pointed out that irrigation is critical for  rice planters at this time and water not being in large supply negatively impacted the production of that and other cultivations.
As a result, he said much acreage planted with rice were destroyed and the highlands in Vreed-en-Hoop and Pouderoyen areas were the most affected.
However, Faerber said some of the victims are counting their losses and moving ahead.
“Right now, some farmers are reaping and others are putting land under the plough but two days rain last week disrupted the harvesting a little,” he related, adding that the Regional Administration will continue supporting the farming community.
Faerber said the water situation is stable now and, with the onset of the rainy season, the kokers are being desilted to ensure there is no flooding.
“We have a fair idea of what needs to be done and are trying our best,” he stated.