Pomeroon farmers continue to benefit from flood alleviation

One hundred farmers operating in Lower Pomeroon, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), whose farms were flooded earlier this year will soon benefit from flood alleviation efforts by the National Agricultural Research and Extension Foundation (NAREI) and the Regional Democratic Council.
Farming, the Department of Public Information (DPI) reported, is the main economic activity in the Pomeroon. The main crops grown there are coconut, avocado, citrus and vegetables. In January 2021, Lower and Upper Pomeroon experienced flooding for many weeks and as a result, farmers’ earning capacity was hampered. Following a commitment from Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha to assist the farmers, 255 Upper Pomeroon farmers received fertilizer to restore nutrients to the soil, allowing farmers to cultivate their lands once again, says CEO (CEO) of NAREI , Jagnarine Singh.
“Today (Monday) we sent 100 bags of 12-12-17-2 fertilizer and 300 packs of ant bait to the Regional Democratic Council for distribution. The fertilizer will be distributed to Martindale farmers and surrounding communities. And Acoushi ants bait will be distributed to all Amerindian communities in Region Two, ”Singh is quoted by the DPI.
Regional Chairman Vilma DaSilva expressed her gratitude for the intervention by the Minister and NAREI. He said the floods had affected farmers’ livelihoods and the effects were still being experienced due to reduced productivity.
“Since the relief effort began, Jacklow UPR farmers, Marlborough LPR, Cozier Canal LPR have already benefited. This support will greatly help farmers restart production as well as reduce the cost of production. We want our farmers to produce and win, ”said DaSilva. NAREI is also helping to combat Acoushi ants in the region. A total of 300 packs of Acoushi ants bait will be distributed in the Pomeroon and Amerindia communities. This would be a collaboration between the Institute and the communities. Some communities that will receive bait this week are Wakapao, Akawini, Karawab, St Monica and Kabakaburi. In addition, fogging exercises are held in the different communities.