Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud recently presented several pigs to five farmers in Bare Root, East Coast Demerara as the ministry continues its programme to boost livestock farming.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release, a number of spray cans were also distributed. Farmers had previously benefited from a donation of tools planting materials and seeds. Waterways in the community are also being excavated.
With regard to drainage and irrigation, Persaud said a decision was made to excavate the waterways after a number of requests from residents.
In addressing their response to flooding, the minister pointed out that, “across the country there are meetings taking place with farmers and technical officers in terms of alerting people on what communities can do, because you too have a lot of responsibility in preventing wide spread flooding.” He then urged them to be proactive in cleaning waterways and to practice proper disposal of garbage to prevent flooding.
Persaud further charged residents to report incidences of flooding as several communities along the East Coast are particularly vulnerable to high density rainfall and to La Nina, which is an irregular rainy season. “We should expect about 60 per cent and above of the normal amount of rainfall that we normally get at year-end. This means that we’re looking at the potential for flash flooding and also the potential for problems being created by as much as 50 per cent more than we normally have in a rainy season,” he added.
GINA said excavators from Black Bush Polder were relocated to the East Coast to ensure efficient drainage and irrigation in communities such as Victoria and Golden Grove. Persaud indicated that the ministry is addressing the concerns the community has with Guysuco and irrigation.
Residents also requested additional breeding animals, feed quota and maintenance of the community’s drainage system. In response, the minister said the regional administration is responsible for the latter. However, the Farmers’ Association was tasked with maintaining the internal drainage system during the rainy season.
