(CyberNews) – The Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Ramón González Beiró, announced on Friday that after a tour of the municipalities affected by tropical storm Ernesto, the regional directors have been asked for a detailed report on the losses in the agricultural sector. Losses are expected to be in the millions, with the banana, vegetable and coffee sectors among the hardest hit.
“We are beginning to identify the damage and visit the most affected farms. It is regrettable, our sector is always greatly impacted by weather events. However, all the agency staff is working to identify aid to assist farmers. Those insured with the Agricultural Insurance Corporation can now make the necessary requests. We do not yet have exact figures, but we are receiving information and counting the losses,” González Beiró said in a written statement.
The reported damage is concentrated in the eastern part of Puerto Rico, where several farms in Yabucoa, Maunabo, Naguabo and Juncos have suffered flooding. In Maunabo, banana farms have been particularly affected. In the southern area, losses in vegetable crops such as squash and melon have been reported due to the rains. In the coffee sector, those farms that were in the process of harvesting have also suffered damage, although a complete picture of the affected coffee growers is not yet available. Mountain towns such as Adjuntas, Jayuya, Orocovis and Barranquitas have also reported significant damage to banana and plantain crops.
Department staff and field agronomists have begun visits to the villages most affected by the strong winds and rains. Affected farmers should file their claims through regional offices, while those insured may file loss claims with the Agricultural Insurance Corporation by calling (787) 722-2748, (787) 722-2965 or (787) 829-2900.
González Beiró urged farmers to go to their nearest office or call the agency to receive guidance and assistance in preparing applications and claims.
