THE National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) has been tasked to improve the system in farming communities, in light of the relatively dry conditions experienced over the last few months.

Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Robert Persaud said Friday that the instruction was given because farmers, around this time, need irrigation water for their crops.

He told a media briefing, at his Vlissengen Road, Georgetown office, that data from the Hydrometeorological Service indicated that the amount of rainfall collected this season, so far, is below the average usually recorded during this period.

Persaud said that total recorded has presented a challenge but the NDIA put all its pumps into operation in the regions under its purview.

He said that would deliver some relief to farmers in Regions Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam), Three (West Demerara/ Essequibo Islands), Four (Demerara/ Mahaica), Five (Mahaica/Berbice) and Six (East Berbice/Corentyne).

Persaud said the NDIA and the respective Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) have been clearing canals at strategic locations to increase the flow of irrigation water to rice fields and other crops cultivations.

In addition, the Minister said his ministry is looking at the implications the relatively dry conditions are having on farmers in the hinterland where, historically, there is a low level of rainfall.

Persaud said a team from his ministry has already been deployed to those areas to ascertain the food supply status and whether there is need for more.

He said, too, that his ministry is working with the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs to give technical support to farmers in those communities to meet their irrigation needs.

But Persaud anticipated more rain is imminent, pointing out that, based on the Hydromet Service forecast, there will be periods of heavy rain in the coming days, caused by a tropical wave in the Atlantic Ocean

The NDIA has been alerted to this development and the need to ensure all drainage structures are in operation to withstand the heavy downpours, he assured.