Severe drought continues in the northwest

Cattle ranchers say the drought affecting the northwest is the most severe in 60 years, affecting the provinces of Montecristi, Dajabón, Santiago Rodríguez and Valverde. It has affected the farms and environment, and the people say all they can do is pray.

Some farms have benefited from the trucked water sent in by the government. The cattle farmers say they are losing their cattle every day to the drought, and fear worsening of the situation as the cooler days of winter give way to warmer Easter and the summer months.

As reported in Diario Libre, Pedro José de Jesús Marrero (Chichito), of the Asociación de Ganaderos de la comunidad La Horca, of Las Matas de Santa Cruz said he had prepared by planting corn to feed his cattle, but this has not been sufficient. He is hoping on Ministry of Agriculture will deliver molasses to feed the cattle.

Reports are of major losses in the tobacco, rice, banana farms due to the drought.

Urban areas are also affected and many are having to purchase tanked water at RD$2,000-RD$2,500 for a cistern truckload.

Read more in Spanish:
Diario Libre

11 March 2019