The Ministry of Agriculture last Saturday dispatched a quantity of supplies to Region Nine to assist communities that have been severely affected by the prevailing El Niño phenomenon.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release, during President Bharrat Jagdeo’s visit with toshaos in the Rupununi over the Easter weekend, they discussed the challenges and solutions to the persistent drought that has wreaked havoc on several communities, crippling their access to potable water for domestic use.
Supplies, including water tanks, spray cans, chemicals and ant bait to control and eliminate acoushi ants, were sent off by trucks to the region. This initiative is part of an additional $11M budgeted to assist about 56 affected communities. Minister Robert Persaud noted on Saturday that a team from the ministry will visit each community to ensure that they receive the supplies.
GINA said similar assistance has also been put in place for regions one, seven and eight while farmers on the coast will receive planting materials to start production and to reduce and minimise disruptions.
Although farmers have experienced a number of challenges brought on by the drought, there has not been a significant shortfall in production.
However, interventions, including the distribution of planting materials, fertilisers for cash crop and other farmers and the dispatching of portable water tanks to service communities in remote areas, have been ongoing.
