Over 500 farmers along the Pomeroon River in Region Two are experiencing a boost in production following the implementation of a bed and drainage project. According to the Department of Public Information (DPI) the programme, which was initiated by President Irfaan Ali and launched in 2023, aims to elevate farm beds and dredge the lands to enhance drainage and irrigation.
The DPI report said the project has brought relief to the over 500 farmers in the lower and upper Pomeroon areas, who were previously plagued by severe flooding. The intervention has allowed these farmers to cultivate their lands more effectively, resulting in increased production.
According to Vice Chairman Humace Oodit, the project has already shown promising signs of success. “There are over 500 farmers who have started to benefit from the five-acre bed and drainage project. And so, while this is happening, I want to encourage the farmers to take advantage of this initiative. Already, there have been signs of increased production,” Oodit was quoted as saying.
As part of the project, two mini excavators were taken to the area to advance dredging activities along the river. Additionally, some of the canals that lead to the savannahs were opened to drain excess water off the farmlands, the DPI report said,
It also stated that in addition to the bed and drainage project, farmers are also benefiting from other agricultural inputs, including the distribution of Brazilian coconut plants, which commenced a few weeks ago.
The project also includes the provision of a coconut shredder, which is a machine that finely minces husks that can be used for organic purposes such as coir/coconut fibre. The DPI report explained that this fibre can then be used to produce products like mats and upholstery materials.
