By Bebi Shafeah Oosman

THE new pump station currently under construction in Black Bush Polder is anticipated to be fully operational in time for the second crop next year and is also expected to provide significant benefits to farmers in the area.
Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, recently explained that Black Bush Polder has 23,000 acres suitable for rice cultivation, but the existing pump station is insufficient to meet the area’s irrigation needs.
He emphasised the government’s commitment to addressing this issue by investing in infrastructure, ensuring that farmers have the necessary resources to boost production.

Currently, 14,000 acres are being irrigated, with efforts underway to flood the remaining 9,000 acres. To tackle the existing irrigation challenge, Minister Mustapha noted that the government has added two additional pumps, bringing the total number of pumps in operation to six. This expansion is part of ongoing efforts to enhance irrigation capacity and support the growth of agriculture in the district.

However, Minister Mustapha noted that it was a temporary measure that has been put in place until the new irrigation pump station which is currently under construction is complete. Once fully operational, the new station will provide a more sustainable solution to meet the area’s irrigation needs and support long-term agricultural development.

According to him, in 2021, a contract was awarded for the new pump station, but the contractor failed to deliver, forcing government to terminate the contract and retender the project.
As such, he stated that a new contractor was hired six months ago, and the work is now progressing. The station, he explained, is expected to be operational by the second crop next year, and will feature four 150-cusec pumps, doubling the current capacity to 252,000 gallons per minute. This will ensure a steady water supply for the frontline areas.

While challenges like delays in project completion arise due to contractors not fulfilling their obligations, Minister Mustapha stressed that they remain committed to supporting farmers. By improving infrastructure and providing consistent support, they aim to resolve the long-standing issues and enhance agricultural productivity across the country.

Noting that he was aware of the challenges faced by cash crop and rice farmers, the minister stressed that the government through various initiatives has been actively supporting them.
He then pointed out that despite cultivating less land in 2023 compared to 2021, the record of rice production of 720,000 tons due to improved yields has been achieved.
Additionally, he stated that they would have also provided subsidies for fertilisers and addressed pest issues by covering the cost of chemicals and even labour in some cases.

Meanwhile, during a meeting on Saturday at Number 48 Village, Corentyne, he also pointed out that there was a significant issue in the Black Bush Polder area with water management for cattle pastures.
He said that they cannot allow tubes to constantly drain water into pastures, especially during prolonged dry weather as water is urgently needed for rice and cash crop farming, “so we must regulate water flow.”

In terms of the two irrigation canals – 47 Middle Walk and 51 Main Canal – which need immediate cleaning, Minister Mustapha added that a machine will be assigned to excavate and clear these areas by this week.
Minister Mustapha stressed to those gathered at that meeting that the government continues to invest heavily in agriculture to support farmers and address challenges.

He noted that they understand their frustrations especially with water shortages, as he assured that the government, through his ministry, was working with all relevant agencies to improve the situation and support their efforts in farming and livestock