OVER 450 flood-affected farmers from Manawarin, Wallaba and Kwebana in Region One are now benefiting from approximately $35.2M in flood-relief cash grants.

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, who also holds parliamentary responsibility for the region, is leading this distribution exercise. Deputy Regional Executive Officer, Shem Cuffy and senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture have accompanied him.

The grants are a part of government’s response to this year’s extended May/June rainy season, which led to the destruction of hundreds of farmlands across the country.

Minister Croal stated that that, coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic, had brought economic hardships to many farmers.
“We, as a government, are aware of the importance of agriculture for your livelihood, the economic development of our country and food security and this grant is expected to help you return to your farmlands,” he stated.

The minister added: “We urge you to utilise this assistance wisely and for the purpose it has been designated for.”
In Manawarin, which is said to be one of the largest farming communities in the Moruca sub-region, a total of 219 grants were distributed to the tune of $17.3 million.

Meanwhile in Kwebanna and Wallaba some 216 and 40 grants, valued at $14.6 million and $3.3 million respectively, are expected to be distributed by the end of the exercise. Most of the farmers in these areas are cash crop farmers, who are heavily dependent on their farms to provide for their families.

In expressing their gratitude to the government, some of the farmers explained that the grants will be used to purchase equipment and farming materials to help them restore their livelihoods.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall and other senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture are also distributing in other villages in the region. The process is expected to conclude tomorrow. Grants were distributed to flood-affected farmers in the Mabaruma and Martakai sub-region over the past few weeks.