Ministry of Agriculture and Famers to Discuss Way Forward

According to C.E.O. Jose Alpuche, not much can be done to assist farmers who have lost their investment in their corn plantations. He says that after the assessment, farmers will be identified and assistance will be facilitated through their lending institution.

On the Phone:  Jose Alpuche, C.E.O., Ministry of Agriculture

“Unfortunately those that have lost right now, if they don’t have irrigation systems in place there is not much that can be done as it relates to saving the crop. I know that some have not planted and some actually planting and we are hoping for rains at this point in time. After we get the assessment we will speak to those affected and the first line is that those that will require facilitation of their lending institutions we will have that discussion with them. Keep in mind that since 2013/2014 we have been providing duty free entry of irrigation material. You will also recall that last year we had entered into a program to help mainly small farmers to deal with climate smart agriculture and adaptation.  We will also see what additional relief we can provide to them. But it will be done in dialogue and full discussion with those that are affected.”