Pomeroon farmers record great loss for first quarter crops

Mar 15, 2017 News

Farmers in the Pomeroon are still unable to make progress in production, following some setbacks in cultivation. Over the past years farming in the Pomeroon has become a major challenge due to poor drainage and pestilent diseases.
Farmers, however, are still dealing with the aftermath of a devastating January flood. Farmers explained that they have no choice but to present their salvaged but damaged ground provisions, to the market.
Some farmers on the other hand were unable to save anything from their farm lands. One farmer said that she lost all her profits along with capital, when her 15 acres of cultivated land was blanketed with water.
Cultivation of coconut has also decreased significantly. Over the past two decades, farmers recorded a 90 per cent decrease in the production of coconuts, one farmer related that they would usually pick 50,000 coconuts per crop, now he only picks 5000 coconuts.
While flooding may lead to a setback in production of coconuts, it is believed that the red palm mite may be responsible for most of the damages.
Flooding has also led to the recent outbreak of the Black Sigatoka fungus disease since the disease is promoted by high moisture. This disease is well known as the red dry leaf diseases and is a major threat to acres of banana plantain suckers.
Local farmers explained that they would notice a red/brown spot on the leaves. Eventually the leaves would fall off to be followed by the entire bunch of plantain or banana. This has resulted in a significant decrease in the supply of plantains and bananas in and around the region.
Farmers are at this point beyond frustration since they depend on these farms to make a living. There are some 14 miles of farm lands that are threatened by flood and diseases.
There is dissatisfaction with the drainage system and the distribution of pesticides and fungicides. One farmer said that the pesticides they receive are no good.
“The agriculture ministry gives you some pesticides today, by next month it expires.”

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