Panama to build reservoirs with geomembranes to combat El Niño drought

Panama's Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA) is proactively addressing the anticipated effects of the El Niño phenomenon, particularly in the Azuero region, a key area for cattle ranchers facing drought concerns. Minister of Agricultural Development, Roberto Linares, detailed the ministry's ongoing efforts, which include the construction and cleaning of approximately 50 water troughs for livestock. The MIDA is also advancing the construction of wells and plans to build reservoirs lined with geomembranes, a durable material designed for permanent water storage.

These infrastructure projects will be financed by MIDA and primarily target small and medium-sized producers. Linares highlighted the use of geomembranes for improved water retention and longevity, alongside polyethylene pipes instead of PVC to ensure decades of service and reduced maintenance costs. "We want to build something lasting and permanent that benefits many producers," he stated.

In response to calls from producers in regions like Los Santos for a state of emergency due to the drought, Linares asserted that such a declaration would not resolve the issue. He explained that a government inter-institutional commission, established by the president, is already working on preventive actions. "A declaration of emergency does not solve the problem. We are already taking all necessary actions to confront it and seek permanent solutions, not temporary fixes like in the past," he said.

The ministry also aims to ensure producers can sustain their operations, meet financial obligations, and access support from the Agricultural Development Bank (BDA), which will continue providing financing to the sector.