Farmers fight drought to feed the province

Farmers in the Gembogl area of Kundiawa-Gembogl District, Chimbu Province, are facing a severe threat to their livelihoods as drought and frost decimate their crops. These resilient individuals are not yielding to the adverse conditions but are instead proactively seeking assistance to bolster their farming operations.

Their primary request is for support to expand simple irrigation systems. This initiative is crucial for maintaining consistent food production, which is vital for feeding communities across the region. The farmers understand that sustainable agriculture is key to their survival and the well-being of their communities.

John Banda, a potato seed grower, shared the difficulties he has encountered over the past few months. A severe frost event wiped out a significant hectare of his potato crop just as a prolonged drought began to take hold. The plants, which were only four months old, represent a substantial loss for Banda and underscore the precariousness of farming in the face of extreme weather.

The ongoing struggle highlights the vulnerability of agricultural communities to climate change and the urgent need for infrastructure support. The farmers' determination to adapt and their call for aid demonstrate a strong commitment to their land and their role in ensuring food security for the province.

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The plants were only four months old.