By Saskia Warrick | November 13, 2024
The much-anticipated new pump station at Canal No. 1 is set to begin operations by mid-December, providing a significant boost to the local agricultural sector.
Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, highlighted the importance of this infrastructure in ensuring efficient drainage and water regulation, which are essential for improving farm productivity and reducing the risk of flooding, particularly during the rainy season.
Addressing local farmers’ concerns, Minister Mustapha reassured them that the station, still under construction, will be operational within a month and a half.
The pump station will have an impressive discharge capacity of 126,000 gallons per minute, allowing for better water control.
This will ensure that farmers receive adequate irrigation during dry spells and prevent waterlogging during periods of heavy rainfall.
The development of the pump station forms part of a broader effort to improve agricultural infrastructure in the region.
Around 260 farmers in the Canal No. 1 area have already benefitted from improvements to internal drainage systems, which are designed to enhance farming conditions and promote higher crop yields.
The Minister emphasized that the government’s focus on infrastructure is a critical step toward meeting Guyana’s food production goals, enabling the country to become a leading food hub in the region.
In addition to the pump station, Minister Mustapha announced plans to deploy an additional machine to support the drainage system and further assist farmers in the area.
This collaboration between the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) and local farmers aims to address drainage issues more effectively and create better conditions for farming.
Minister Mustapha also urged farmers to embrace modern, climate-smart technologies to increase their productivity.
While traditional farming methods have been long relied upon, the Minister stressed that the future of agriculture in Guyana lies in innovation.
By adopting new technologies, farmers can increase efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and contribute to Guyana’s ambitions for sustainable growth in the agriculture sector.
The new pump station and associated infrastructure improvements are expected to have a long-lasting positive impact on agriculture in the Canal No. 1 area, fostering better conditions for farmers and boosting Guyana’s food production capabilities.