Water Sources Drying in Veraguas Due to El Niño Effect

Small-scale farmers in Veraguas are facing significant challenges as the effects of the El Niño phenomenon begin to impact the province's water sources. Producers report that quebradas and other water supplies are starting to dry up, jeopardizing irrigation for crops and threatening both family consumption and commercial sales.

In response to the worsening drought conditions, the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA) has launched a mitigation plan. This initiative focuses on constructing wells specifically for family and community agriculture, as well as for household water supply. Additionally, MIDA has begun distributing agricultural inputs to beneficiary families of its farming program to bolster their production capacity amidst the adverse climate.

One affected farmer, Máximo García, expressed his deep concern over the lack of rainfall and its detrimental impact on his crops. Authorities state that these support measures aim to assist small producers and enhance their resilience against the potential effects of El Niño on the region's agricultural activities.

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The lack of rain has caused my crops to be affected.