Farmers urged to prepare for El Niño conditions

The Ministry of Agriculture is urging farmers to prepare for the potential effects of El Niño conditions, while assuring that systems are being put in place to safeguard agricultural production and protect farmers’ livelihoods.

Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha reinforced this sentiment, remarking on the assurance given to farmers during an El Niño Preparedness Forum hosted by the ministry in collaboration with the Hydrometeorological Service.

Minister Mustapha emphasised that the forum is not intended to create panic but to ensure farmers and other stakeholders are equipped with the information and resources needed to prepare for the period ahead.

“We are here today not to create panic. We are here to prepare,” the minister stated, encouraging farmers to remain confident and continue contributing to increased food production.

According to the minister, the Hydrometeorological Service has indicated that the conditions being experienced could persist throughout the remainder of 2026, with a strong possibility of continuing into the first quarter of 2027.

The minister stressed that while prolonged dry conditions can pose significant challenges to agriculture, Guyana is better prepared due to continued government investment in drainage and irrigation infrastructure, including canals, pumps, sluices, and water storage systems.

However, water management, Minister Mustapha said, will be a critical component of the country’s preparedness strategy.

“Our approach has to be straightforward…store water where we have it, manage it carefully, and make sure it reaches farmers when they need it,” the minister stressed.

Meanwhile, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) is monitoring major conservancies and irrigation systems in the country.

Efforts will also focus on identifying areas vulnerable to water shortages and addressing potential challenges before they become severe.

The agriculture minister made it clear that the anticipated conditions should not result in reduced production.

Instead, he noted that the government is working to ensure that the necessary systems are in place to allow farmers to continue producing and protect the country’s food security.

Minister Mustapha also underscored the importance of collaboration among government agencies, farmers, regional administrations, technical officers and other stakeholders, noting that information and challenges identified in farming communities must be addressed quickly.

The stakeholder forum brought together farmers, representatives of technical agencies, the private sector and development partners to examine the potential impact of El Niño conditions on Guyana’s agricultural sector and strengthen preparedness efforts.

DPI