DENBIGH, Clarendon —With the country bracing for drought, the National Irrigation Commission (NIC) has given an assurance that it is adequately prepared to provide water to farmers in need should the current dry period persist.

“We are seeing where the water levels are falling, especially in the surface systems [rivers]. But we are monitoring it and we are working closely with the Water Resources Authority, which is the regulator, to ensure that we stay within the guidelines to be able to manage what we do,” said NIC director of engineering and technical services Rohan Stewart.

Allison Berman, wife of Canadian High Commissioner to Jamaica Mark Berman enjoying the heady aroma of scotch bonnet peppers at Denbigh Agricultural Show on Sunday. Garfield Robinson

He was speaking with the
Jamaica Observer, Saturday, on the margins of Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show held at the Denbigh Showground in May Pen, Clarendon.

The Meteorological Service of Jamaica is projecting prolonged dry conditions stretching into this October. Last Thursday, Water, Environment and Climate Change Minister Matthew Samuda put the country on alert for full prohibition orders for water usage, which he says will take effect on August 10 if the forecast remains unchanged or worsens.

The water minister said those orders will be targeted at “irrigation and watering of gardens, lawns, grounds, and farms, filling or supplying of pools, and other things for domestic services”.

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness admiring the produce on display during his visit to Denbigh Agricultural Show on Sunday. Garfield Robinson

On Saturday, Stewart assured commercial farmers that the NIC has measures in place to ensure that their thirst for water is met. Outside of irrigation, he explained that NIC has trucks that are used predominantly in the St Elizabeth and Trelawny areas to supply farmers with water.

“That service is in significant demand now, but there are a few weeks’ backlog because the demand is so great in that area; but we are working on it,” he assured.

This youngster seems fascinated by this impressive head of cattle on display at Denbigh Agricultural Show on Sunday. Garfield Robinson

In addition, he said, there is also a water filling service where individuals may purchase water and truck it to their farms.

“If the drought intensifies, we will have rotation where farmers would get water at different times. Currently, farmers can get water on demand, but if the dry period progresses into a drought where we will have to do some restrictions, then farmers will be notified and they will be given water on a scheduled basis,” Stewart explained.

“With the best plans, sometimes things go awry but we are agile. We are seeing an increase in persons coming for water. Some people would have been dormant or not utilising all of their lands, so some of those persons are coming on to the system. Also, with the new Essex Valley and Parnassus irrigation systems, we are also seeing persons coming on for connection and we are prepared to supply those areas,” he added.

Roots man Wayne Wilson peddles his wares, Sunday, to Denbigh Show patrons. Garfield Robinson

Director of engineering and technical services at the National Irrigation Commission, Rohan Stewart speaking with the Jamaica Observer at the Denbigh Agricultural Show on Saturday. .

However, Stewart urged farmers to put their own contingency plans in place to weather conditions that are expected to pose a challenge for an extended period.

“Despite where we are now in the dry period, it is not too late for farmers to start planning and implementing those plans. Farmers are encouraged to use water efficiently and we are also saying, ensure you utilise crop cover which will reduce your evaporation and water loss. Also, do mulching and look into planting drought-tolerant crops to achieve the objective of efficiency for the system, success for you as the entrepreneur, and food security for Jamaica,” he urged.