HEAVY and persistent rainfall the Essequibo Coast has caused rice farmers to delay the application of fertiliser to their crop. Several of them told the Guyana Chronicle that the rains have caused a high build-up of water in their fields and irrigation canals, an environment not ideal for applying fertiliser.
They said, however, the cultivation is blooming in the rainy conditions and the plants are in various stages of growth.
Reports said low areas and drainage trenches in the Cozier Scheme are flooded, resulting in water flowing over into rice fields and farms.
The Pomeroon River and savannahs aback of farms are also swollen and, with more rain forecast, farms and residential parts can expect flash floods.
Mainstay, Capoey and Tapakuma lakes and conservancies are, currently, being constantly monitored by the Regional Drainage and Irrigation Department..