Suriname is grappling with its worst drought in 25 years, a direct consequence of the persistent El Niño phenomenon. The country, nestled on the northeastern coast of South America, has endured eight months without significant rainfall, leading to a substantial decline in agricultural productivity.
The prolonged dry spell has severely impacted the northern districts of Para and Saramacca. Local farmers have reported over a 25% reduction in crop yields, particularly devastating for the region's fruit plantations.
\"Some of them (fruit trees) get very small, but them should be like this (higher) one,\" said a plantation manager in Saramacca. \"Sometimes the fruit is already half-cooked inside because of the sun. Sometimes, when we harvest oranges, they don't have juice inside,\" added a plantation technician.
In addition to the lack of rainfall, Suriname is battling shortages in water facilities, irrigation resources, and agricultural technology, compounding the challenges faced by local farmers.
However, there is a glimmer of hope as the local meteorological department has forecasted a new rainy season to begin in April. This anticipated rainfall is expected to alleviate the drought conditions and help restore the diminished crop yields, offering much-needed relief to the agricultural sector.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
