Raghoenandan warns of fertilizer shortage due to Canawaima problems

Raghoenandan states that an impending fertiliser shortage could-have direct consequences for Suriname’s agricultural sector. According to the DNA member, fertiliser that must be transported from Guyana to Suriname is stranded on the Guyanese side because the Canawaima ferry service has been temporarily suspended. He fears the situation will place further pressure on availability in the local market.

According to Raghoenandan, fertiliser still available in Suriname is now being offered at higher prices. He describes this development as worrying, as farmers are already facing high expenses for fuel, labour, transport and other production inputs. Further cost increases could weaken farmers’ financial position, he says.

The DNA member is directing his appeal primarily at Minister Mike Noersalim of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries. He believes the ministry should not wait until the effects of the disruption become fully visible, but should already be seeking alternative transport options together with other relevant agencies.

Fertiliser shortage could affect agricultural production

Fertiliser is an important production input for various agricultural activities. If farmers do not have sufficient fertiliser available in time, this may affect crop growth and ultimately yields. Raghoenandan therefore fears that a prolonged disruption in supplies could affect not only farmers, but also consumers.

According to him, lower yields and higher production costs could eventually be reflected in the prices of agricultural products. He warns that producers with limited financial capacity in particular could come under pressure. “If fertiliser prices continue to rise, farmers will literally be driven out of the market,” Raghoenandan said.

New problems surrounding Canawaima ferry service

The concerns about fertiliser come at a time when problems have once again arisen around the ferry connection between South Drain in Suriname and Moleson Creek in Guyana. Key News previously reported that the Canawaima ferry service has been temporarily suspended since Saturday, 22 August. The interruption is affecting travellers, transport operators and the movement of goods between the two countries.

The situation surrounding the vessel saw another development earlier this month. Following a reinspection on 13 August, an announced sailing ban was lifted. The Surinamese Ministry of Transport, Communication and Tourism announced at the time that the ferry service could resume, while further technical follow-up remained necessary. Later, renewed discussion arose over work that maritime authorities said had to be carried out on the vessel.

Farmers must not pay the price for the loss of an essential transport connection.

Alternative transport for fertiliser requested

Raghoenandan believes the government should consult with both Surinamese and Guyanese parties in the short term to get the stalled flow of goods moving again. According to him, it should especially be examined how the fertiliser currently in Guyana can be transported to Suriname as quickly as possible via an alternative route.

According to the parliamentarian, attention must also be paid to price developments in the local market. He wants the ministry to closely monitor the availability of fertiliser and prevent a temporary shortage from triggering uncontrolled price increases. Where necessary, appropriate measures should be taken to protect farmers, he says.

Five measures against an impending fertiliser shortage

Raghoenandan is specifically asking the government to take action on five points. According to him, an immediate solution must be found for the fertiliser stranded on the Guyanese side. In addition, alternative transport options must be arranged, while stock levels on the Surinamese market must be continuously monitored.

He also calls for attention to possible price gouging and for better information for farmers. Farmers must know in good time what measures are being taken and when new supplies can be expected, he says. According to Raghoenandan, this clarity is necessary so that producers can better plan their activities and investments.

Food security at stake, according to Raghoenandan

The parliamentarian places the issue in the broader context of food security. A disruption in the availability of essential agricultural inputs could ultimately affect the amount of food produced locally, he says. According to Raghoenandan, the issue therefore affects not only individual farmers, but the entire food chain.

He therefore urges LVV and the government not to wait for a full restoration of the regular ferry service before seeking solutions. “The time for talking is over. Action must be taken,” Raghoenandan said. According to him, every further delay means more uncertainty and potentially higher costs for the agricultural sector.

Farmers await government response

For the time being, it is not known what concrete measures LVV will take in response to Raghoenandan’s appeal. It is also still unclear how much fertiliser is reportedly stranded in Guyana and how much stock is currently available in Suriname. Clarity on this could provide better insight into the possible consequences for the market.

The coming period will mainly have to show how long the Canawaima interruption will last and what alternatives are available for goods transport between Guyana and Suriname. For farmers, it is important that fertiliser supplies are restored in time, so that a logistical problem does not grow into a larger problem for local food production.