DNA member Jerrel Pawiroredjo fears a rice shortage in Suriname. “A rice shortage is threatening to emerge,” the NPS parliamentary group leader said in parliament on Monday.
He pointed out that international organisations have predicted that Suriname, among others, will face extreme drought in the coming period. “This will have serious consequences for Suriname, and is food security guaranteed?”
The parliamentarian pointed out that rice is Suriname’s staple food. A few years ago, when the sector was doing well, 50,000 hectares were sown, but now barely 10,000 hectares have been sown. According to him, farmers have been dealing with deteriorating rice varieties for years. The ADRON no longer has expert staff to produce good improved rice varieties. “So a shortage of rice for export is threatening to emerge, but it must never lead to us having to import rice.”
He demanded that the minister come up with an action plan as soon as possible: “How does the minister intend to respond to this?” The DNA member noted that the breeding of rice varieties, the import of seed, the availability of water and the financing of machinery and production resources will play a very important role in restoring the sector to health.
“We know the drought is coming, so planning must already be done now on how sufficient water and sufficient fuel will be available later, so that the pumps can operate optimally.”
