MINISTER of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy has said that the two major agriculture sectors are not being affected by the El Nino conditions.

The Ministry of Agriculture in May issued an El Nino watch after having consulted with its Hydro-Meteorological Office, and taking into consideration predictions from various regional and international forecasting and weather agencies.
According to the Minister, Guyana’s rainfall at present has been below the average expected in accordance with the long-term averages. “We have not had the type of rainfall that we should have had, but the amount of rainfall we have had has been useful,” he said.
He reiterated that the decrease in rainfall has not impacted the agricultural sectors. However, it is expected that as time progresses, the amount of rainfall would be less and less.
Meanwhile, Minister Ramsammy expressed his concerns on the level of water in the conservancies, which is considerably lower than normal.
Dr. Ramsammy said, “The trouble is that our conservancies and irrigation canals would be going into the regular dry season with less water than they normally have. Therefore as the dry season continues, it will create distress.
“I am hoping that because we get early notice, I am hoping that the preparations we have made will lead to some conservation and therefore we will be able to manage.”

[box type=”shadow” align=”alignright” ]‘The trouble is that our conservancies and irrigation canals would be going into the regular dry season with less water than they normally have. Therefore as the dry season continues, it will create distress. I am hoping that the preparations we have made will lead to some conservation and therefore we will be able to manage’ –Minister Ramsammy[/box]

EL NINO PERIOD
He indicated that the Ministry of Agriculture is expecting that November/December is likely to be an El Nino period. The Minister noted that this will affect the agriculture sector, since there will be no relief from the dry season.

The Minister explained that people are not appreciative of the preparations that need to be in place in order to reduce the impact of the El Nino. He also pointed out that his officers were often chastised and ridiculed, but regardless they have a job to complete, which is to protect the agriculture sector from the negative impacts of the El Nino.
Climatologists and weather forecasters predicted an El Nino for the Americas, starting in July and intensifying towards October and December. The prediction as of this time is that it could be a serious El Nino with severe droughts in many parts of the Americas.
Written By Sandy Agasen