AN additional pump will be placed at Number 43 Village, Corentyne, bringing the total there to three, to assist rice farmers within Johanna, Black Bush Polder with drainage.

Following a recent shower of rain, rice farmers reported that portions of their farmlands were flooded. Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha immediately made contact with the affected farmers and directed Regional Vice-Chairman Zamal Hussain to meet with them in their communities and listen to their concerns.

On Monday, Hussain met with a number of farmers in Johanna, Black Bush Polder, where he listened to them as they highlighted that some of their rice fields were flooded due to the recent heavy downpour.

After providing Minister Mustapha with full details of the issue, Hussain reported to the farmers that the minister committed that “In less than 24 hours we will get the pump at the head of 43; we will get an additional pump to start working at 43.”

According to Hussain, assistance will also be given to several farmers in the area who requested tubing on Monday. He stressed that the government continues to support farmers whenever the need arises.

Additionally, the various agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture will be monitoring the situation so as to record if there are any losses.

Meanwhile, a pontoon with machines is actively working to clear the Number 43 outfall to bring further relief to the affected farmers.