Angel Valdes | June 2, 2023
The streamlining for the construction of deep wells, drinking troughs and production roads, as a preparation measure to support small producers in the face of the possible effects of climate variability, is being carried out by the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA) throughout the country, through of the National Directorate of Rural Engineering and Irrigation, within the actions of the Plan “Against drought, for life and food. A government in action”.
The head of MIDA, Augusto Valderrama, following instructions from the President of the Republic, Laurentino Cortizo Cohen, has requested that this issue be given high priority, in support of ranchers and agricultural producers, to guarantee the water they need for their animals and its agricultural plantations.
To date, in this 2023, 209 deep wells have been built in the different regions of the country; as well as 22 drinking troughs and 384,982 kilometers of production roads to support the effort made by Panamanian producers to produce the food that is needed for the Panamanian population.
In this sense, in the province of Los Santos 72 deep wells have been built; in Herrera, 75; in Veraguas, 36, in Coclé, 11 and in Chiriquí, 15; of the 2008 that were drilled from 2019 until May 2023.
Regarding production roads nationwide, from 2019 to date, 2,202,184 kilometers have been enabled. In this 2023, the National Directorate of Rural Engineering and Irrigation has built 384,982 kilometers, being the province of Veraguas, with 157.6 kilometers, the most benefited, followed by Los Santos, with 133.6; Chiriquí, with 47,406 and Coclé with 24,076, among others.
Regarding the drinking troughs, from 2019 to May 2023, 668 have been enabled and in this 2023, the figure is 22 until May 31, distributed in Herrera (7), Veraguas (6), Coclé (5) and Los Saints (4).
These actions are added to the inputs that MIDA has provided to small producers affected by climate variability, such as mineralized salts, minelasses, improved grass, plastic for silage, bales, and animal feed.
The head of MIDA reiterates to small producers that we must learn to manage water sustainably, so MIDA is attacking this problem in two directions, one is with the delivery of input aid, and another with the design of a action plan for the construction of troughs and wells for water harvesting for this year and 2024.
“A prepared producer does not dry up his crops or die his cattle,” warned Minister Valderrama.
