276 farmers in Dominica affected by April 26 trough, losses estimated at $2M; Ministry to launch cash grants and restore farm access.
Dominica: The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy has confirmed that the April 26 trough system has caused extensive damage to the livelihoods of farmers across the east and northeastern communities. The Ministry has reported that an estimated 276 farmers have been affected, with losses amounting to approximately two million dollars.
This confirmation was announced by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Ryan Anselm, who stated that the estimates were based on the assessment conducted by the Minister and the Ministry of Agriculture drone team.
“Our assessment indicates that of the 734 registered farmers, 276 farmers were directly impacted; some were impacted more directly, some severely and some low,” stated Permanent Secretary Ryan Anselm.
PS Anselm further explained that the Ministry reported that both the crop farmers, livestock farmers, aquaculture have been affected, with farm infrastructure tools, equipment and machinery, ring houses and animal pens, feeder roads and access to farms being compromised as well.
According to Anselm, the Ministry has estimated the total damage and loss to be two million dollars. This estimate excludes of the damages for the feeder roads and farm access.
The Permanent Secretary has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to standing with and supporting the farmers in the communities, announcing that the Ministry will launch a cash grant support programme in the coming weeks.
“In the coming weeks, we will roll out a cash grant support programme to farmers who have been impacted and farmers that have suffered loss and damage of crops and livestock,” announced the Permanent Secretary.
The Secretary further assured that the Agriculture Ministry will work with the Ministry of Public Works to restore the feeder roads and allow access to farms.
The Ministry had already began providing relief efforts, over the past weeks, in collaboration with the Chinese Agricultural Technical Mission, more than 100 seedling trays of different vegetables, including cabbage, lettuce, bell peppers, and more, have been distributed to the affected farmers. Moreover, the Ministry has also supplied them with fertilizer and tools.