Coclé Ranchers Prepare for El Niño's Impact Amidst Drought Concerns

Cattle ranchers in Panama's Coclé province are bracing for the anticipated effects of the El Niño phenomenon, with growing concerns over potential agricultural losses in the coming months. The expected decrease in rainfall and the subsequent decline in water levels are already being felt in several communities within the 'Arco Seco' region, a notoriously dry area.

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The lower parts like Penonomé, Antón, Natá, and Aguadulce are areas where we are working hard. We are training producers in various activities, especially water harvesting, because we must avoid waste and learn to reuse it so that the cattle can have access to water during the dry season.

In response to these looming challenges, the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA) has initiated training sessions for producers. Over 60 ranchers recently participated in a workshop in Ventorrillo, La Pintada district, focusing on drought mitigation strategies. Key among these are techniques for producing silage and implementing water harvesting systems to ensure a consistent water supply for livestock during the dry season.

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All of us are alarmed by the presence of El Niño, which has already been announced. In the Arco Seco area, especially in the corregimiento of El Potrero, we are greatly affected by this situation. Water reserves, streams, and rivers begin to dry up, and that directly hits the animals.

Javier Miranda, the regional director for MIDA in Coclé, highlighted that the ministry's efforts are concentrated on the most vulnerable areas. "The lower parts like Penonomé, Antón, Natá, and Aguadulce are areas where we are working hard. We are training producers in various activities, especially water harvesting, because we must avoid waste and learn to reuse it so that the cattle can have access to water during the dry season," he explained. This proactive approach aims to build resilience within the agricultural sector against the harsh realities of climate variability.

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If the government supports us, we can alleviate the situation that is expected.

The ranchers themselves express significant unease. Sacramento Vergara, a producer from the El Potrero corregimiento, noted the immediate impact on local water sources. "All of us are alarmed by the presence of El Niño, which has already been announced. In the Arco Seco area, especially in the corregimiento of El Potrero, we are greatly affected by this situation. Water reserves, streams, and rivers begin to dry up, and that directly hits the animals," he stated. The community recognizes that institutional support will be crucial in navigating what is expected to be a difficult period, emphasizing the need for government backing to mitigate the anticipated hardships.

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The pastures stop growing and the heat is getting stronger. The animals get very stressed, so it is recommended to keep trees on the farms for the cattle to take shelter.