Expected heavy rainfalls pose threat to rice farmers

May 05, 2012 News

While May/June is known for its frequent periods of rainfall that can lead to flooding at some parts of the country, the heavy downpours experienced on Thursday have caused many residents to become concerned.
Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, yesterday stated that while the areas of the heaviest intensity of rainfall were recorded in Region Ten where flooding was experienced, a major concern that has arisen is for the rice farmers.
With the projection of upcoming heavy rainfall during the following two weeks, a big threat hovers over the lands where rice cultivation is taking place.
According to Dr. Ramsammy, half of the cultivated land is being reaped as these rice farmers carry on with their activities but because of the rainy conditions the dams leading to their lands are being affected.
This would have a huge, negative impact on the remaining rice that is to be reaped.
Another concern has also arisen for cash crop farmers in areas such as Canal Polder Number One and Two where there can be inundation after short periods of heavy rainfall.
Crops such as pepper and smaller shrub types of vegetables will be vulnerable to destruction if the areas become flooded.
The Ministry of Agriculture along with relevant regional authorities, is presently working to monitor the situation.
He explained that earlier in the year, during February, there were heavy rains that resulted in severe flooding at various locations. However; most persons are not aware that this rain never actually stopped.
“While we all recall the heavy rainfall in February that led to flooding; March and April were fairly dry because we saw sunshine outside. It was in the cultivation area at the back that the rain continued through April…The rain never stopped”
Kaieteur News understands that this resulted in the sugar industry being severely impacted in April since the industry depends on dry weather to function.
“Almost half of the days were lost to the sugar industry because once it rains even a little bit, the activities at the back, including cutting of cane and loading of cane stops.
“This means that the factory can’t grind and they were affected where more than 50 per cent of days in April were lost.”
It was noted that during the next week there will be a continuation of the weather experienced between Thursday evening to Friday morning with Sunday and Monday bringing the worst intensity of rainfall.
Dr. Ramsammy added that during these two days (Sunday and Monday) the rainfall could intensify.
While the rains will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday, there will be some relief. However, the heavy rains are expected to return on Thursday and Friday with a break on Saturday
“We expect May to be a rainy May but most of the rain for May should occur for the first two weeks of the month. So this week and next week should be the rainiest part of this month,” said Dr. Ramsammy.

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