Pawiroredjo warns: rice production in Suriname requires action now

The expected drought and its potential consequences for rice production in Suriname are a major concern for NPS parliamentarian Jerrel Pawiroredjo. During a public meeting of De Nationale Assemblee (Suriname’s parliament), he asked the government not to wait until water shortages actually occur, but to prepare concrete measures now. According to him, international weather models point to an increased risk of very dry conditions in this part of South America.

Pawiroredjo links that warning to the vulnerable position in which the Surinamese rice sector already finds itself. He stated that in previous years, at its peak, more than 50,000 hectares were planted with paddy, while the area has now declined to about 10,000 hectares, according to him. A further decline could have consequences for farmers, processors, exporters and ultimately consumers, the parliamentarian said. As a result, the scope to absorb a bad season is becoming increasingly limited, he said.

In addition, producers have for some time been facing problems concerning the availability and quality of rice varieties, according to Pawiroredjo. The expertise and research infrastructure to develop improved varieties in Suriname itself have also not been sufficiently strengthened, he said. This could become a bottleneck when farmers quickly need varieties that are more resistant to drought, diseases or changing cultivation conditions.

Rice production in Suriname under pressure due to water issue

For Pawiroredjo, the greatest immediate risk lies in irrigation water. Rice cultivation is heavily dependent on a predictable water supply. When rain fails to materialise and canals, swamps and other water sources are not replenished sufficiently, pressure on pumping stations and other irrigation facilities quickly increases. The parliamentarian therefore wants to know how much water is needed in an extreme drought scenario and how the government intends to keep that water available for rice production in Suriname.

He also asks how many pumps need to be operational and how much diesel is required to keep those installations running over an extended period. These questions are not new in the rice sector. Key News previously reported that parliament had already drawn attention to the condition of the pumping stations in Wageningen and Wakay and to preparations for a new planting season. A malfunction at the wrong time can force farmers to incur high costs themselves for water and fuel.

A shortage of irrigation water must not result in a shortage of rice on the local market.

Food security more important than exports alone

Pawiroredjo stressed that the discussion should not focus solely on export revenues. According to him, Suriname must prevent domestic production from declining so far that rice has to be imported for local consumption. For a country where rice is among the main staple foods, this would increase dependence on foreign suppliers. International price increases, transport costs and disruptions in supply chains could then also more quickly affect the price consumers in Suriname pay.

He therefore wants to know from Minister Mike Noersalim of Landbouw, Veeteelt en Visserij (Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries) what preparations are already being made. He mentioned, among other things, sufficient and quality seed, possible imports of suitable rice varieties, financing for farmers, affordable interest rates, production inputs and agricultural machinery. According to Pawiroredjo, policy for rice production in Suriname must be viewed as an integrated whole. Without credit, a farmer cannot invest, but without water, good seed and functioning machinery, financing alone is likewise insufficient.

El Niño increases need for early preparation

The concern comes at a time when international climate services are warning about the impact of El Niño. The World Meteorological Organization reported at the end of July that a strong El Niño is developing and may intensify further during the period from August through October 2026. The organisation expects above-average temperatures worldwide and points out that the likelihood of drought is increasing in certain regions. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations notes that El Niño has historically often been associated with lower rainfall in northern South America.

The government is now also paying attention to the possible effects of El Niño on other vital services. President Jennifer Simons held emergency consultations with EBS and SWM at the end of August on possible consequences for electricity and drinking water. Pawiroredjo believes the same forward-looking approach is needed for agriculture. “Let us not come here to tell the same story as with EBS. We know that drought is coming,” he said. According to him, preparations must begin before the situation becomes acute.

Pumps, fuel and seed must be arranged in advance

The rice sector has experienced both drought and flooding in recent years. Both situations have made clear how important proper water management and reliable infrastructure are. In March, Key News reported that problems with pumps in Wageningen and Wakay caused difficulties for farmers during flooding. During drought, that same infrastructure is needed to get sufficient irrigation water to the cultivation areas. For rice production in Suriname, it is therefore not only about how much rain falls, but also about the capacity to move and retain water at the right time.

Another point of attention is the timing of decisions. Farmers need to know well before planting whether water will be available, which production inputs they can purchase and under what conditions financing is possible. If parts for pumps, diesel or seed are only arranged after a shortage has emerged, part of the season may already be lost. Pawiroredjo therefore wants the ministry to develop scenarios in advance for different levels of drought and clarify what capacity can be deployed immediately.

The government therefore faces a broader task than merely responding to a warning from parliament. The coming period will have to show whether a concrete plan will be developed for irrigation, pumping capacity, fuel supply, seed, financing and support for producers. A well-prepared approach can prevent extreme drought from translating into lower yields, higher production costs and pressure on the local rice price. The discussion on rice production in Suriname therefore directly concerns how the country protects its food security during a period of increasing climate fluctuations. That preparation is also important for producers who must make substantial investments for every new season.