Efforts by Agri Ministry during rainy season

Dear Editor,
As the rainy season intensifies in 2024, the Ministry of Agriculture in Guyana, under the leadership of Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, has launched a series of interventions to support farmers, particularly in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). Those efforts are aimed at mitigating the adverse impacts of heavy rainfall, and ensuring agricultural productivity remains stable.
Recently, Minister Mustapha conducted multiple meetings with farmers in Region Six, a crucial agricultural hub. Those meetings served as platforms for dialogue, wherein farmers expressed their concerns and challenges related to flooding and waterlogged fields. In response, the Ministry has expedited several measures to provide immediate relief and long-term solutions. One of the key interventions is the enhancement of drainage and irrigation systems.
The Ministry has allocated substantial resources for cleaning and maintaining canals, trenches and drainage pumps. This proactive approach aims to prevent water accumulation in farmlands, thereby reducing crop damage and loss. In addition, mobile drainage pumps have been deployed to flood-prone areas to ensure swift water removal.
The Ministry has also distributed flood-resistant seeds and seedlings to farmers, ensuring that their crops can withstand excessive moisture. These resilient varieties are crucial for maintaining crop yields despite adverse weather conditions. Further, the Ministry is providing technical assistance and training to farmers on best practices for water management and soil conservation during the rainy season.
To support farmers financially, the Ministry has established emergency relief funds and low-interest loans to help them recover from any potential losses. This financial assistance is essential for farmers to sustain their livelihoods and continue their agricultural activities without significant setbacks.
By extending these initiatives to all of Guyana, the Ministry is reinforcing its commitment to the agricultural community. The collaborative efforts involving both Government resources and community engagement exemplify a comprehensive strategy to tackle the challenges posed by the rainy season.
In summary, the Ministry of Agriculture’s proactive measures and responsive interventions under Minister Zulfikar Mustapha’s leadership are vital in supporting Guyanese farmers during the 2024 rainy season. Through improved infrastructure, resilient crop varieties, technical training, and financial support, the Ministry is ensuring that agriculture in Region 6 and beyond remains robust and resilient.

Sincerely,
Elton Saul