The lack of pasture and lack of water in the rivers caused by the prolonged drought has led to the deaths of at least 200 cows in the municipality of Sabaneta and all of the northwestern province of Santiago Rodriguez, as reported in Hoy. In addition, the water crisis has led to a decrease in the production of milk of 60% that has had a significant impact on the economy of the area.
Also, due to the lack of water, the Sabaneta municipal abattoir is not operating at weekends, for the first time in its history, affecting the sale of beef and pork in the market that is held every Saturday, meaning large financial losses for hundreds of small businesses.
The situation is now such, that there is a concern it will affect food provision and the daily lives of the population, so the key farmers have asked the Dominican government to increase their efforts to help the sector especially the lack of water.
As well as the impact on cattle farming the drought in the province is affecting the planting of rice and bananas and the supply of water to homes, businesses and hotels.
Read more in Spanish:
Hoy
Diario Libre
5 February 2019
