Rice cultivation in Region 2 under threat due to dry spell

Rice cultivation in Region Two is under severe threats due to the prolonged dry season which has had an impact on the water in the conservancy. As a result of this phenomenon, there is not enough water for the present crop.
Rice farmers told Guyana Times that they are frustrated with the constant disasters facing the crop. “If na blast, ah bug, if na bug ah dry weather, if na dry weather ah price”, one rice farmer exclaimed.
Rice farmers have been under severe pressure of late due to several issues and the Government seems not to care since no intervention to address the water woes is forthcoming.
When contacted, Field Retention Officer of the Rice Producers Association, Chowkat Ali explained that while he knows that the long dry weather is the main factor for the water crisis in the region, he also blamed the Drainage and Irrigation Overseers for not monitoring the water supply and securing the kokers of the conservancy in a timely manner.
He noted that presently, the southern end of the Coast can have some irrigation if water is pumped from the Supenaam Creek into the conservancy.
A visit to the backdam clearly shows the many dried up trenches and the very low water level in the conservancy.
The Pomeroon River, which is another source to tap into, has not been considered due to the salty water which has been affecting those who depend on the river for their daily water usage.