– drought to last until May, extensive relief efforts planned By Jarryl BryanThe Government has laid out its plan for bringing relief to those most affected by the El Niño weather conditions.Natural Resources Minister, Raphael TrotmanHowever, there are no plans on the horizon for Government to intercede with commercial banks or provide financial relief to rice farmers.This was related by Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman,Wholesale NBA Jerseys, during the post-cabinet press briefing yesterday. He related that during cabinet discussions, Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder had briefed cabinet on his ministry’s strategy.Asked whether Government was considering these financial measures for the farmers’ “severe losses”, Trotman stated that while there were losses, reports indicate this was not as severe as expected. He related that it would be expected that the industry officials and the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) would advise accordingly.“In terms of the rice crop, the reports that we have received is that the losses are not as severe as expected. It is too soon to describe the losses as significant. It is also difficult for Government to assess the manner in which it is going to intervene (financially).”That said, Trotman did note that Holder produced a budget for short and medium term relief efforts. In addition, Trotman related that the situation was better than it was two weeks ago, with the exception of the Rupununi region.Trotman, in relating what transpired, said that an analysis of the situation has concluded that there will be a deficit in rainfall and an increase in atmospheric pressure. These conditions,Cheap Jerseys Free, he said, will place Guyana under drought warning until May.“The quantity of fresh water available for various uses across the country is likely to be reduced,” he said. “And the chances of forest fires are of course increased.”Trotman reported that among the measures planned across the regionsDrought conditions at the Moco Moco River in Takutu.are interventions from the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA). In addition, he said that water will be provided to Pomeroon river residents, due to salt water ‘intruding’ in the river.“There is a noticeable intrusion of salt water in the river, some say as high up as 60 miles into the river,” he said. “In region three, irrigation canals will be cleared, damaged structures will be prepared and water will be pumped into irrigation canals from the conservancy.”“In Region four, efforts are ongoing to assess the extent and cost of relief efforts to farmers and residents, especially cash crop farmers and rice farmers who need water for cultivation of the next crop. It should be noted that there is harvesting of rice now, so the demand for water is not as high as it was some months ago. (But) there is an upcoming planting season.”Trotman also related that the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary/Agricultural Development Association (MMA/ADA) would cater to the irrigation needs of the Blairmont estate for the rest of 2016’s first crop. He also stated that potable water is being supplied to areas in Region six by the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI).“These (areas) are East Bank Berbice; Sisters Village to Mara, and the new forest area in New Canje. These areas depend on river water and that water has become salted. These (water suppplies from GWI) are expected to be increased to four times per week should the situation get worse.”CROPS LOSTIn light of all this, Trotman related that the irrigation situation was still below critical,NFL Jerseys China, since pumps are working. He noted that out of the 54,000 acres of rice presently under cultivation in the region, only 5,000 were expected to be lost.According to the Minister, the affected areas include number 19 village, East Bank Berbice and Crabwood Creek,Cheap Jerseys Wholesale, while in region seven, the emphasis will be on cleaning creeks and drilling eight shallow wells,Cheap Jerseys From China, to be funded from the Basic Needs Trust Fund.“A budget for relief efforts in Region eight has been proposed. However,Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic, discussions are ongoing on the technical requirements needed to implement the measures proposed.”Trotman also noted that several villages have been identified as priority for water in Region nine, including Annai and Shulinab. He provided assurances that special funding would be provided for El Niño relief efforts.Severe El Niño conditions have set in throughout Guyana over the past few months. According to reports,Stitched Jerseys, ponds have dried up and shallow hand-dug wells are either low on water or have gone completely dry. In some places the rivers have also dried up due to the scorching heat and zero rainfall.Rice farmers have also been calling for intervention from Government, out of consideration for anticipated losses in crops, due to prices. Farmers have been saying that this intervention could take the form of interceding with commercial banks, as many farmers are in debt.
