The Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) has been intensifying its efforts to safeguard the health of Guyana’s livestock population as the country continues to experience El Niño-like conditions.
A release on Thursday from the Ministry of Agriculture stated that over the past few weeks, veterinarians and extension officers attached to its GLDA have been conducting supplementary ambulatory services in regions Five and Six to minimise malnutrition, anaemia, and internal and external parasites amongst the livestock population.
Commenting on the exercise, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha noted that several programmes have been ongoing to assist farmers with the “devastating drought-like effects” brought on by the ongoing El Niño phenomenon. He also informed that in addition to efforts to ensure rice and cash crop farmers have enough water for their crops, efforts have also been made to ensure livestock farmers also receive the necessary support.
“We were able to target and assist approximately 550 farmers from regions Five and Six. In Region Five, approximately 23,071 ruminants and 306 swine along with horses, dogs, and poultry belonging to farmers residing within the Abary basin were treated. Additionally, 480 gallons of molasses were distributed to 64 farmers with approximately 7,121 head of livestock. In Region Six, 3,383 large ruminants, 4,238 small ruminants, 2,573 swine, and 47,278 poultry were treated bringing that total to 57,472 animals. These farmers also benefited from molasses and hay to feed their animals. GLDA is also working with rice mills to get additional inputs that will be distributed to these farmers. So, you see, we are working with the farmers. While we cannot control these conditions, we still have to ensure we work with the farmers and put systems in place to safeguard our livestock sector,” Mustapha explained.
He also said that officers from the GLDA will be working with other regional officials from across the country to provide similar services to farmers who are also affected by the ongoing El Niño conditions. The Minister also assured that the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) has been working to ensure irrigation canals are maintained so that all categories of farmers can have access to sufficient water supply.
According to the release, Guyana, like many other countries in the region, is currently experiencing the impact of the El Niño phenomenon arising from the increase in surface sea temperature in the Pacific. Further, the Ministry’s Hydrometeorological Department, has stated that Guyana began to experience rapid drought-like conditions last July, reaching moderate strength sometime in September. By November 2023, this phenomenon is said to have reached its peak and continued up until January 2024.
In Guyana, drought-like conditions are experienced with a reduction in the amount of rainfall and reduced rain days. This has resulted in the deterioration of pasture production and a lack of fresh water for consumption by the animals, the release added.
