Some Clarendon farmers are assessing the damage to their crops, brought on by persistent heavy rainfall in recent weeks. The farmers were greeted on Saturday, August 28, with plots of water and mud where their crops were once planted.
The recent downpour of showers swamped several acres of farmland in Ebony Park and spring plane farms in Clarendon. Farmers are left devastated at a time when there is a shortage of certain crops caused by various factors including, the increase in rainfall in recent weeks.
One farmer said among the losses are sweet peppers, lettuce and other provisions. He note that the flooding issue is stemming from the poor drainage system and the lack of proper maintenance.
They are pointing fingers at the National Irrigation Commission, saying the commission is responsible for upgrading and maintaining the drainage system. They say most of the crops were ready to be harvested, but now they will have to start from scratch.
Over on Spring Plain Agro farm, farmers are absorbing their losses; one farmer Samuels says it is time to encourage climate-smart sustainable agriculture. The Clarendon farmers hope for continued sunshine in the coming weeks.
More in this CVM Live story from Robian Williams:
