Peru activates aid measures for producers affected by floods in Arequipa

Peru’s Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (MIDAGRI) said it is coordinating response measures with regional and local authorities to support communities and farmers affected by heavy rains in the Arequipa region.

During a visit to the area, Agriculture Minister Felipe Meza met with the regional government and local officials to review damage and strengthen technical assistance. Authorities are compiling information on affected households and farms in order to prioritise support measures and present proposals to the Council of Ministers.

The minister also inspected damaged urban and agricultural areas in the Sachaca district, where machinery is currently clearing and dredging irrigation canals to restore water flows and reduce further risk.

Local agricultural agencies are simultaneously registering affected farmers so that the Agricultural Insurance Scheme (SAC) can be activated. The programme, fully funded by the state, protects vulnerable smallholder farmers from crop losses caused by extreme weather.

Under the scheme, producers whose crops are lost due to natural disasters can receive compensation of S/1,000 per hectare (≈$270/ha).

MIDAGRI said additional technical teams led by Vice-Minister for Family Farming and Agricultural Infrastructure Orlando Chirinos will travel to Arequipa to supervise ongoing work and accelerate support for affected producers.

source and photo: gob.pe