Recent heavy rainfall across Guyana has significantly impacted the agriculture sector, bringing both benefits and challenges for farmers. While the rain has helped replenish water sources and support crop growth, excessive and prolonged rainfall has led to flooding, soil erosion, and damage to farmlands.

With agriculture being a key part of Guyana’s economy, producing crops such as rice, sugarcane, and vegetables, farmers need to take steps to protect their crops and reduce losses.

How Rainfall is Affecting Farmers

Rice Farmers

• Excessive rain has flooded some rice fields, delaying harvesting.
• Standing water can cause paddy to rot, leading to lower yields.

Vegetable and Cash Crop Farmers

• Root crops such as cassava and sweet potatoes are at risk of rotting in waterlogged soil.
• Leafy greens like lettuce and cabbage may develop fungal diseases due to excess moisture.

Sugarcane Farmers

• While rain helps cane growth, too much water can lower sugar content and disrupt harvesting.

Livestock Farmers

• Flooded pastures reduce available dry grazing land.
• Contaminated water sources increase the risk of disease among cattle and poultry.

Steps Farmers Can Take to Protect Their Crops

Improve Drainage

• Dig proper drainage channels to redirect excess water away from crops.
• Use raised beds or ridges to protect root crops from rotting.

Use Mulching Techniques

• Cover soil with leaves, straw, or plastic mulch to reduce erosion and waterlogging.
• Mulching helps regulate soil temperature and prevent weed growth.

Adjust Planting Schedules

• Plant crops based on expected rainfall patterns to reduce flood risks.
• Rotate crops to maintain soil health and improve resilience to changing weather.

Prevent Disease and Pests

• Monitor crops for signs of fungal infections such as mildew or blight.
• Apply organic fungicides and use disease-resistant seed varieties.

Invest in Greenhouses and Shade Houses

• Protect high-value crops such as tomatoes and peppers from excessive rain.
• Government programs offer support for building shade houses as a long-term solution.

Improve Water Management

• Store excess rainwater in tanks for irrigation during drier months.
• Install better drainage systems in flood-prone areas.

Government Support for Farmers

The Ministry of Agriculture has implemented several programs to assist farmers affected by heavy rains.

• Emergency Relief – Farmers in flooded areas can report losses to local agricultural offices to access government support.
• Drainage and Irrigation Work – The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) is clearing canals and improving drainage systems.
• Subsidized Seeds and Fertilizers – Farmers affected by floods can receive assistance to replant their fields.
• Climate-Smart Agriculture Training – Workshops are being held to educate farmers on better farming techniques to handle extreme weather.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has assured farmers that the government is working on long-term solutions to prevent major losses due to climate-related challenges.

Building a More Resilient Agriculture Sector

As climate change continues to affect weather patterns, farmers must adapt to ensure stable production.

Key Actions Moving Forward:

• Improve drainage and irrigation systems.
• Use disease-resistant crops and better soil management techniques.
• Adopt greenhouse and shade house farming for better crop protection.
• Take advantage of government support programs.
• Diversify crops to reduce the risk of total loss from floods or droughts.

With the right strategies and support, Guyana’s agriculture sector can continue to grow despite the challenges brought by increased rainfall. Farmers must remain proactive in protecting their crops and planning for changing weather conditions.