A number of countries across the region are currently experiencing the effects of El Nino, Guyana included. The situation has the potential to have a severe effect on the agricultural sector, as below normal rainfall has brought drought like conditions in a number of areas.
In Guyana, farmers are suffering devastating losses as water continues to be a scarce commodity. According to Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Noel Holder, “this prolonged dry weather has impacted our water resources and has been most seriously felt in the farming areas along the coast and within our hinterland regions”. So dire is the situation that the Ministry of Agriculture has advised rice farmers await the next rainy season to sow their fields. Civil Defence Commission’s Director General, Colonel (retired) Chabilall Ramsurup has since rated the current El Nino situation 8 out of 10.
To deal with this phenomenon, a multi-sectoral approach has been adopted to bring relief to farmers and affected persons, countrywide. Chief among these being a National Task Force which will deal with irrigation issues across the country.
In the midst of this dry spell persons are urged to be responsible in their water usage. Below are a few tips for farmers on how to conserve water during this dry season:
- Avoid overwatering plants.
- Collect water used while rinsing fruit and vegetables, use it to water other plants.
- Minimise evaporation by watering during the early morning hours when temperatures are cooler.
- Group plants with the same watering needs together.
More information can be found on the Ministry of Agriculture’s Website.
Photo: Drought by IRRI CC BY-NC SA 2.0
