Minister of Agriculture, the Honourable Zulfikar Mustapha, is urging farmers and other stakeholders in the agriculture sector to practise responsible water management as Guyana continues to prepare for the effects of persistent El Niño conditions.
Minister Mustapha made the call on Thursday, August 27, during an El Niño Stakeholders’ Forum hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre. The forum brought together farmers, technical agencies, private-sector representatives, development partners and other stakeholders to examine the latest climate outlook and identify practical measures to safeguard agricultural production.
While the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) indicated that water resources are currently adequate, Minister Mustapha stressed that available supplies must be managed carefully, particularly as reduced rainfall and higher temperatures continue to affect parts of the country.
“Our approach has to be straightforward: store water when we have it, manage it carefully and make sure it reaches farmers when they need it,” the Minister said.
He noted that the Ministry, through the NDIA and other technical agencies, is continuing to strengthen the country’s water management capacity. This includes ensuring that irrigation pumps remain operational, while excavation and other drainage and irrigation works are being undertaken in several areas to improve water availability and distribution and provide greater support to farmers.
Meanwhile, the Hydrometeorological Service provided an updated climate outlook indicating that the current El Niño phase is likely to persist through the remainder of 2026, with the possibility of continuing into the first part of 2027. Reduced rainfall and above-normal temperatures are expected to remain key concerns for the agriculture sector.
Against this backdrop, Minister Mustapha emphasised the importance of farmers making timely and informed decisions based on reliable climate information. He encouraged farmers to consider appropriate adjustments to planting schedules, irrigation practices and crop management, while continuing to adopt climate-smart approaches that can help reduce the impact of prolonged dry conditions.
The Minister also stressed that preparedness must extend across the entire agriculture sector and cannot be limited to crop production. Livestock, fisheries and aquaculture operations also require careful attention as temperatures rise and water availability becomes increasingly important.
He said the Ministry’s technical agencies will continue to work closely with farmers and stakeholders, providing timely information, technical guidance and support as climatic conditions evolve.
“We are not here to create panic. We are here to prepare,” Minister Mustapha said.
He urged farmers to use available water resources efficiently, avoid unnecessary wastage and work closely with the Ministry’s technical agencies to identify potential risks early and take the necessary measures to protect their farms and livelihoods.
Minister Mustapha reiterated that early preparation, responsible water management and coordinated action will be critical to maintaining agricultural production, protecting farmers and strengthening Guyana’s food security as El Niño conditions persist.
