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BiggerOcoa coffee farmers face “disastrous” losses due to rain
According to reports, coffee losses are estimated to be in the millions. External Source
San José de Ocoa— The Orlando Mazara Coffee Growers Association (Asocaom) described the situation in the coffee-growing area of the Quita Sueño section, which covers seven areas of the Rancho Arriba municipality in the province of San José de Ocoa, as disastrous following the intense rains caused by Hurricane Melissa.
Daisy Encarnación Casado, the association’s coordinator, and Aris Peguero, project manager, reported that the losses are significant, as hundreds of quintals of coffee have fallen due to the rainfall.
Producers face severe difficulties drying grain due to the lack of drying tunnels and the destruction of local roads, leaving many stranded on their farms.
In addition, the overflowing of the Nizao River, near Montenegro, has blocked access to several communities.
“More than 200 families remain isolated, without access to medical services, and facing millions in losses from coffee and other crops,” Asocaom representatives denounced.
Faced with this situation, coffee growers requested that President Luis Abinader intervene to implement urgent measures to support the agricultural sector.
They also called for special attention to coffee production, which is essential for reforestation and the economic sustainability of farmers, as well as the maintenance of local roads and the immediate construction of the bridge over the Nizao River at the Montenegro Crossing.
