A severe drought fueled by El Niño has struck Suriname, causing the worst dry spell in 25 years and leading to significant reductions in crop yields. The northeastern South American nation has endured eight months without rain, devastating local agriculture.
In the northern districts of Para and Saramacca, farmers report crop yields have plummeted by more than 25 percent. “Some of the fruit trees are stunted; they should be much taller,” said a plantation manager in Saramacca. “Sometimes the fruit is already half-cooked inside because of the sun. When we harvest oranges, they don’t have juice inside,” added a plantation technician.
The drought has exposed the country’s limited water facilities, irrigation resources, and agricultural technology, compounding the challenges faced by farmers. The lack of adequate infrastructure has made it difficult to mitigate the effects of the prolonged dry period.
Hope may be on the horizon as the local meteorological department forecasts the onset of a new rainy season in April. The expected rainfall could relieve the drought conditions and alleviate concerns over diminished crop yields.
Suriname’s agricultural sector is a vital component of its economy, and the current crisis highlights the need for investment in sustainable farming practices and infrastructure improvements. As climate patterns continue to shift, farmers and authorities alike are seeking solutions to enhance resilience against future environmental challenges.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
