He Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP) extended for 30 days – starting this Monday, February 27 – the permission for livestock producers affected by drought They can take their animals to eat on the side of the routes and roadswhere there are usually usable pastures.
Martín Uría, president of the Rural Federation (FR), explained to The Observer that “As much as it may seem like simple news, it is a decision that is always highly anticipated and really very important at times like the present”.
Based on a drought that persists despite the recent rains, the declaration of an agricultural emergency governs the entire national territorywhich enabled assistance to producers in eight areas: livestock, agriculture, dairy, forestry, beekeeping, poultry, fruit growing, horticulture.
Uría added that “this permission is very important, I was recently touring Cerro Largo and on many roads I saw producers with their cattle on the side of the roadsso they can eat there.”
In this management, all precautions are taken, the animals are never alone, they are monitored for their safety and that of those who travel through those roads and in many cases, if necessary, they resort not only to the work of field personnel with their horses and/or or vehicles, electrical wiring is also used.
The data
All the measures that can be taken so that the livestock activity sustains its dynamics are considered relevant, not only for those directly involved, but also for the national accounts. The livestock agro-industry is one of the great motors of the national economy and one of the sectors that generates the most employment. In 2022, US$ 13,356 million entered the country for exports of goods, with a specific participation of beef that reached US$ 2,557 million, that is, almost 20%.
Grazing on the side of routes and roads.
As reported to The Observerthe General Directorate of Livestock Services (DGSG) of the MGAP authorized the Animal Health Division, through its competent zonal and local offices, to issue authorizations for animal grazing on public roads, at the request of livestock producers whose establishments are affected by the adverse weather situation, in the following areas:
- All police stations in the departments of Canelones, Cerro Largo, Colonia, Flores, Florida, Maldonado, Río Negro, Rocha, San José, Salto, Soriano and Tacuarembó.
- Police sections from 2nd to 12th of the department of Artigas.
- Police sections from 2nd to 15th in the department of Durazno.
- Police sections from 1st to 14th in the department of Lavalleja.
- Police sections from 3rd to 10th in the department of Paysandú.
- Police sections from 2nd to 8th of the department of Rivera.
- Police sections from 2nd to 10th of the department of Treinta y Tres.
“It is a fundamental tool, it is being used a lot, the producers call to ask if the permit is valid,” added Uría.
