The Rural Agricultural Development Authority, (RADA) is urging farmers to take a proactive approach to putting strategies in place to minimize the impacts of drought conditions across multiple parishes.

The authority notes that although water trucking is in place for some areas, locations of the farms and the terrain will continue to present challenges for water delivery.

Rada is calling on farmers to conserve water by scaling down on acreage under production where possible, growing crops which can better withstand drought and by using mulch in the soil to prevent excess evaporation.

Where there is water available, the authority urges farmers to use it efficiently, by watering crops early morning or late evening, considering water harvesting and by recycling water where possible.

Meanwhile, livestock farmers are encouraged to reduce heat stress to animals, as this can lead to dehydration and death.

To improve management of water resources, Rada says livestock farmers can use nipple drinkers; provide shade for animals and feed animals at cooler times of the day.

Rada is also recommending that farmers install fans and sprinklers in livestock units.

The authority notes that it is also important for farmers to ensure that water being offered to animals is cool.

Acute drought conditions have been reported islandwide, with Portland, St. Catherine, Clarendon, St. Elizabeth and Manchester being the hardest hit.