FAO provides monetary relief to farmers
Approximately EC$900,000 will go towards the immediate recovery efforts for farmers who were affected by the December flash floods.{{more}}
This money, which is coming from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), will be used for various rehabilitation purposes within the agricultural sector.
Speaking at a press conference on April 17, local coordinator for the FAO Reuben Robertson explained that the organization initially made available US$320,000 which later increased when the government of Brazil donated an extra US$15,000.
âThese monies we are using to work with the Ministry of Agriculture to provide some immediate relief to the farmers. You will realize that this money will not be able to provide to every farmer what they have lost. But at least it would give some relief,â Robertson said.
Robertson explained that the assistance is expected to be given in several specific areas, including providing seeds and fertilizer to farmers, giving support to the livestock sector by providing persons with animals that they may have lost during the floods, procuring a hatchery in replacement of the one that was damaged in Dumbarton and facilitating the clean-up of rivers.
The FAO representative also noted that the funds will act as a compliment to what the Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines is providing and will continue to provide for farmers through various initiatives.
âWhen you put all of these together, it is a comprehensive package of support that is being provided to you as farmers from all the various arms, coordinated by the Government through the Ministry of Agriculture.
âWe ought to be thankful. We ought to ensure that when we receive, however little the assistance would be, that we use it wisely and we ensure that we use it to bring profits to our farms and improve the livelihood,â he said.(BK)
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