-to safeguard rice farmers’ livelihoods
SAVING the rice crop from being destroyed as a result of La Nina Phenomenon is a key priority of the Ministry of Agriculture and its sub-agencies, as the commodity remains a major contributor to the country’s economic development. Rice farmers of No. 10 Mahaica River and Handsome Tree, Region 5, were yesterday assured by Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, Alli Baksh, that a mobile pump to drain water from farmlands and an excavator to aid in dam maintenance would be made available.
The minister, accompanied by technical staff from the ministry, Region 5 Chairman, Bindrabhan Bisnauth, and Mahaica-Mahaicony-Abary officials, were lauded by farmers for the sound approach taken to ensure that their livelihoods are protected.
In the wake of the extreme rainy period, several consultations were held with farmers countrywide, where issues were highlighted and recommendations made by rice, cash crop and livestock farmers.
This move by government is to ensure that every farmer benefits from interventions.
The MMA and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) will work collaboratively to ensure that water recedes effectively.
Minister Baksh stated that while the administration will continue to implement mechanisms to ensure farmers do not suffer losses as a result of flooding, consultation with the grassroots is necessary, since they are the immediate beneficiaries and would know where interventions are most needed.
“We will continue with this approach, since it is the right way, and farmers are happy. We will continue to make interventions where necessary, once financing is available,” he said.
He also called for a Water Users Association (WUA) to be established within the area, to better rally for the rights of farmers and to have frequent dialogue with decision -makers for the benefit of farmers.
MMA/ADA General Manager, Rudolph Gajraj told those gathered at the Yankee canal that while the works are necessary, the authority is unable to fulfill every demand, as financing is limited.
The deployment of the equipment will save 3,000 acres of rice which will be ready to harvest in two weeks’ time.
While the country is moving into a recovery mode, after consistent rainfall late January into February, it is safe to say that, thus far, the ministry has been able to contain significant losses, due to enhanced drainage and water management methods implemented.
Over February 28-29, there was constant heavy rainfall that affected several city wards and other parts of the country.
The Agriculture Ministry said the quantity of rainfall at most locations exceeded the amount expected for the whole of February.
For example, Georgetown averaged 92 mm of rainfall in February, but over the 24 hours, the capital city experienced 129 mm of rain.