Rice farmers in regions Five and Six are facing losses with the start of the rainy season, according to the Agriculture Ministry, which has warned them to take precautions when harvesting as rainfall is expected to continue over the next two weeks. “The rainy season has started and it is the first year after some years that it started within the season,” the ministry said in an advisory on, adding that many farmers in the two regions planted late and were hoping for a late start to the rains.
“The impact of this will result in both qualitative and quantitative losses. It will also result in ‘serious damages’ to the fields during harvesting and the access damns when transporting paddy out,” the ministry added.
It urged farmers to utilise every opportunity to harvest instead of waiting for a “good day” to do so. Also, when transporting paddy from field to factory, farmers are advised to take smaller loads to reduce losses. “Let this serve as an advisory, as we need to plant within the season and thus allowing harvesting to be done in the opportune time,” the ministry said, adding that this would also ensure better planning for water, pest and disease management.
Cash crops
The ministry advised cash crop farmers to pay attention to ministry weather forecasts during the May/June period. It said they should avoid planting in areas that are easily flooded and use raised beds as far as possible. Direct seeding should be avoided, it added, warning that poor germination would result. It also noted that the application of chemicals should be minimal as these would be easily washed off. In addition, it said when fungicides need to be applied a sticker must be used, while if fertilizers are to be applied, small doses of mixed fertilizers should be used. The use of urea is warned against, as it is considered very soluble and could be lost easily.
The ministry also advised cash crop farmers to ensure that drains are kept clear to allow drainage. If possible, it said farmers can also make embankments or “meres” around their fields to pump excess water from their surroundings as vegetables cannot withstand flooded conditions for more than 24 hours.
Farmers in areas such as Mahaica Creek are also warned that the rat population would increase during the rainy season and bating is recommended for control.
Livestock
With frequent flooding during the rainy season, the ministry said growing conditions for livestock would be very difficult and animals could become vulnerable and die. As a result, it advised that farmers move animals to higher ground and ensure that they are sheltered, especially goats and sheep. Young animals are particularly vulnerable and should be provided with sheltered high ground, it said, while also recommending that farmers consult with district veterinarian and livestock staff of the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) for any health problems their animals might develop.
Farmers are also advised to arrange for supplementary feed, especially if animals have reduced grazing grounds. Feed may include rice bran, molasses, wheat milling, molasses urea blocks or copra meal. “If you have stocked up dried rice straw or hay, please store under dry conditions since wetting will cause deterioration and animals will refuse to consume them,” the ministry said. Farmers who have harvested grass and made silage may have some insurance against grass unavailability as grass is still the cheapest feed stuff available, it further noted.
Poultry rearers, according to the ministry, should be particularly vigilant in inspecting the drainage arrangements around poultry pens to ensure no blockages. Ducks too can die when subjected to flooding conditions, it said. “If poultry has met market weight, you may wish to dispose of them to reduce vulnerability, especially if you live in areas known for flooding,” it added.
Empoldering farms may also provide a margin of safety and owners of tractor-operated or other pumps may also enhance their chances of keeping their farms dry, according to the ministry.
