Adequate irrigation water is currently available to support cultivation across Regions Two, Three, Four, Five and Six as land preparation continues for the first crop of 2027.

According to Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, reports from the regions confirmed the supply. He met stakeholders from the five regions on Tuesday to assess irrigation arrangements and ensure farmers have enough water.

During the meeting, Mustapha received updates on major irrigation systems, among them the Pomeroon River and Dawa system in Region Two, the Boerasirie Conservancy in Region Three and the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) in Region Four. Updates were also given on the Abary system in Region Five and the Canje Creek system in Region Six.

He also highlighted the activation of the Sandaka pump in the Upper Corentyne, a move aimed at strengthening irrigation capacity.

The Hydrometeorological Service has forecast significantly lower rainfall than usual at the start of the rainy season as El Niño persists, with coastal areas expecting 50 to 60 more hot-spell days.

To keep the water flowing efficiently, the Minister stressed the importance of continued collaboration among the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), Water Users Associations (WUAs), Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and farmers.

With the mechanisms in place and progress made in land preparation, Mustapha expressed confidence that farmers are well positioned for a successful first crop in 2027.

 

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha