Minister Mustapha urges water conservation as El Niño conditions persist

Guyana Ministry of Agriculture reported that, as El Niño conditions persist, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha urged farmers and other agriculture-sector stakeholders to manage water resources responsibly. During an El Niño Stakeholders Forum held on August 27, 2026, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) indicated that water resources were adequate, although the Ministry stressed the need to store and use water efficiently as reduced rainfall and higher temperatures continue to affect parts of the country. Ongoing actions include keeping irrigation pumps operational and carrying out excavation and other drainage and irrigation works to improve water availability and distribution. The Hydrometeorological Service indicated that the current El Niño phase is likely to persist through the remainder of 2026 and may continue into the first part of 2027. Farmers were encouraged to make timely adjustments to planting schedules, irrigation practices and crop management and to continue adopting climate-smart approaches. Preparedness also extends to livestock, fisheries and aquaculture. Ministry technical agencies will continue providing information, technical guidance and support to reduce risks, protect agricultural production and livelihoods and strengthen Guyana food security.