By Royan Abrams
In a bid to alleviate the challenges faced by livestock farmers in the Corentyne region of Guyana due to the adverse effects of El Nino weather conditions, the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) has stepped in to offer crucial assistance.
Over 400 farmers have benefitted from this initiative, receiving much-needed support to mitigate the impact on their livelihoods.
Over the course of three days, officials from GLDA have been actively engaging with farmers spanning from No. 1 Village to Belvedere on the Corentyne, meticulously assessing the impact of the El Nino season on their livestock.
Veterinary services and medications were promptly provided to enhance the well-being of the animals, with GLDA pledging continued support in the face of ongoing challenges.
Basudeo Dwarka, the coordinator at GLDA, emphasized the severity of the situation, noting the weight loss and other hardships faced by the livestock during this period.
“The animals are more or less losing weight, and in some cases, they are losing weight,” he explained, highlighting the critical need for intervention.
Dwarka reaffirmed GLDA’s commitment, backed by the Ministry of Agriculture, to provide essential services to the affected regions.
During the assessment process, the GLDA team visited Albion, where cattle farmer Kashwar Algu had his livestock evaluated.
Expressing gratitude, Algu acknowledged the significant support received from the government through the Ministry of Agriculture, which proved instrumental in mitigating the impact of El Nino on his farming activities.
Similar assistance was extended to farmers in region five, underscoring the comprehensive efforts undertaken by GLDA to address the challenges faced by livestock owners across various areas.
This initiative not only underscores the responsiveness of GLDA but also highlights the government’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector, especially during challenging climatic conditions.
The collaborative efforts between GLDA, farmers, and relevant government bodies signify a concerted approach towards ensuring the resilience and sustainability of Guyana’s agricultural industry.