As Guyana faces a heatwave expected to persist until November, Chief Hydromet Officer Dr. Garvin Cummings has outlined key strategies to help farmers adapt to rising temperatures and mitigate the impacts on agriculture.
Speaking with NCN, Dr. Cummings emphasized the importance of selecting crops that require less water and employing methods to preserve soil moisture during this challenging period.
Dr. Cummings highlighted that hinterland areas, particularly the South Rupununi, will be more severely affected by the heatwave, with food demands expected to rise significantly.
While coastal areas may see some relief in 8 to 10 weeks, hinterland regions could experience extreme conditions for the next 6 to 8 months or longer, necessitating focused attention to address the greater risks posed there.
To support farmers, the Hydromet Service is bolstering the agricultural system by enhancing training for its staff, ensuring that they are well-prepared to provide effective advisory services through extension programs.
These efforts aim to help farmers adopt practices that will reduce the adverse effects of extreme temperatures on their crops.
As the heatwave continues, the Ministry of Agriculture remains committed to strengthening support for the farming community, equipping them with the knowledge and resources needed to sustain their livelihoods amid challenging climatic conditions.