I would like to remind farmers and members of the public of my earlier calls for greater awareness of climate change and its effects which is creeping up on us. I am of the firm belief that the current El Nino condition is a result of climate change and more challenges are yet to come.
The harsh weather conditions are testing our farmers’ ability to produce and to organize and work together. I have witnessed many instances where farmers are their worst enemies as the drought like conditions continue to affect crops, livestock and the livelihood of many families. Farmers need to understand the benefits of working together and use their initiative to achieve mutual benefits.
I have been following some of the update and interventions being undertaken by the Ministry of Agriculture and other agencies and I believe that this is the way forward to have inclusivity and host consultations with all stakeholders, this will ensure the majority is satisfied. However, should the weather maintain its current course as predicted for the next two months farmers and the country as a whole will be tested.
In addition, I find it very depressing that the PNCR/AFC are once again attempting to gain political recognition by criticizing the many coordinated efforts of the government and farmers. This irresponsible behaviour needs to cease and the opposition must take on a more responsible constructive role in abating the national crisis.
Farmers are true heroes of the soil. There is so much uncertainty in planting a crop, but they prevail with care and attention. Today, whilst there is so much technology, farmers are still challenged due to the availability of water and scorching heat and when we sit to eat a meal, think of the hard labour and insurmountable task farmers overcome to produce food that we take for granted.
It is evident that the Government is having a fair control over the situation and all of us as responsible citizens must do our share as all of us will be affected should the current weather condition develop into a crisis. I end with the famous line in Martin Carter’s poem “…all are involved, all are consumed”.