Ministry of Agriculture Urges Farmers to Safeguard Crops and Livestock Amid Hurricane Threat

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise is advising farmers in the low-lying and flood-prone areas to take immediate steps to protect their families and livelihoods.  For the crop producers, the ministry is advising farmers to harvest any available and mature crops, record details of all crops planted and their production amounts, store harvested crops in cool, dry areas to prevent spoilage or loss, ensure drainage systems are clear to avoid waterlogging.  Meanwhile, for producers with Tropical Greenhouses or Cover Structures, the advice is to remove covering materials such as UV Plastic and Anti-Viral netting, to store equipment and supplies securely, to document all crops planted and their production amounts; take photographs of the structures, and to reinforce greenhouse structures to withstand potential high winds.  For livestock producers, they are advised to relocate animals to safer areas temporarily, ensure an adequate supply of animal feed and water, conduct a thorough count of all livestock, and prepare animal shelters to endure severe weather conditions.  Farm owners are advised to secure all farm machinery and inputs and to relocate pesticides and containers to prevent spillage and contamination, particularly in flood-prone areas.