-in light La Nina effects on access dams
AGRICULTURE Minister Robert M. Persaud is appealing to all relevant
authorities to be supportive of farmers currently undertaking the harvesting of paddy, particularly at a time where no dam maintenance could take place due to the effects of the current La Nina weather conditions. A press release from the ministry yesterday said the current persistent heavy rainfall has reduced the opportunity days for harvesting and has resulted in some dams becoming impassable. “As such, Minister Persaud is appealing to relevant local government authorities to allow farmers
access to alternative community roads/dams to bring their produce out from the fields,” the release said.

The Agriculture Minister stated that further representation is also being
made to the Guyana Police Force to have some restraint when harvested
produce is being transported on the public roads in the evenings, as
farmers continue to utilise opportunity days to harvest.

Minister Persaud added that while the present conditions are not ideal for harvesting, the Ministry of Agriculture, through the Guyana Rice Development Board and the Guyana Rice Producers Association, will continue to work with farmers to maximise harvesting opportunities and reduce threats from heavy rainfall. Rice farmers desirous of support to harvest and transport paddy are asked to contact GRDB’s Regional Extension Officers to discuss possible assistance.