-due to continued dry spell
WITH more than 32,000 acres of rice presently under cultivation in Region 2 (Pomeroon/Supenaam), Chairman Ali Baksh has reported that this crop may be in trouble owing to a continued dry spell. Baksh made this pronouncement last week during a telephone interview with the Guyana Chronicle.
He explained: “We are facing a problem, due to a dry spell the water in the conservancy is a bit low and the rice crop we have is between six to eight weeks old so we have to monitor this.”
In light of this, he announced that there are plans to start pumping water from the Pomeroon River to Tapakuma Lake to the conservancy so that the areas affected will be irrigated.
As to the progress of this initiative, the Regional Chairman explained that there have been consultations with all of the relevant stakeholders in an effort to expedite this venture.
“We had a meeting with all stakeholders from the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) from Drainage and Irrigation, the Ministry of Agriculture and the various Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDC),” he added.
As to the overall cost of such an intervention, he noted that at least $2million worth of fuel will be needed and this cost will increase depending on the duration of the dry period.
He stated: “If this continues we will need more.” In addition to collaborating with the farmers and all the stakeholders, Baksh has also called on members of the police force to assist in monitoring and patrolling the areas where water will be pumped to prevent acts of vandalism.
This he said will ensure the integrity of the structures erected to provide support to the farmers during this time.
In this regard, Baksh implored all of those involved to work along with the relevant parties to ensure that the integrity of the Region’s crop is protected. (CHEVON SINGH)