Drought conditions limit our ability to refill cisterns and ponds, and, although convenient, buying water is often an expensive proposition for families and farmers.
“Especially now, as we prepare for hurricane season, it’s important to remember, conserving, reusing or limiting water use is a good mitigation strategy.
Commissioner Positive Nelson of VIDA said that farmers are facing a long, hot summer, and he is asking everyone to do their part when it comes to water conservation methods and farming.
Nelson also added that “the best time to water your plants and limit the chances that they show signs of distress is to water them early in the morning and late in the day.
Drought Monitor Map, which details the level of drought, we can work ahead to better serve our farmers, and when necessary direct them to the Farm Service Agency when livestock forage support is needed,” Commissioner Nelson said.
Drought Monitor members are working to closely monitor conditions on St Croix to see if they will qualify in the coming weeks.
“During this time of drought across the USVI, farmers and residents should implement best practices for water conservation as a precaution,” Commissioner Nelson said.
“We buy approximately 8,000 gallons of water per week,” said Dale Brown of Sejah Farms on St.
To aid farmers, local, federal and community partners, Caribbean Green Technology Center staff has recently launched a new Drought newsletter for the community at large focused on agriculture in the community.
Our independent journalism costs time, money and hard work to keep you informed, but we do it because we believe that it matters.
Greg Guannel, Ph.D., director of the UVI CGTC, says the goal of the voluntary water conservation strategies is a way to provide useful information to the community at large so they can make better informed decisions about the water they drink.
It reduces chances of running out of water during critical times, and by saving water you’re also helping yourself to save money,” Guannel said.
He stated that checking and maintaining irrigation lines for leaks is a good way to conserve water.
This limits the amount of evaporation that would have occurred if you water during the middle of the day, when it’s much hotter.” He also said that farmers on St.
He added that he hopes everyone will consider conservation methods, including home gardeners and micro producers, as the USVI heads into the hurricane season.
Drought Monitor map details severe and extreme drought levels nationally and in the USVI as well as the Pacific Islands.
“We don’t know the length of the drought, but what we do know is it is hotter, and the drought is starting earlier and lasting longer.
Croix, who added that he is monitoring conditions and employing methods to help him keep costs down.
Caribbean Green Technology Center staff will also be creating a Water Resource Guide “Go with Flow,” which will focus on strategies from CGTC that are Caribbean focused.