Brava: Lack of rain is affecting the island's agricultural sector

In the town of Cova Rodela, farmer João Mendes said that he started sowing in mid-July when more rain fell, which encouraged the field and strengthened the plants.

The same source said, however, that in the previous month it hardly rained at all, hence the fear that the agricultural year won't be favorable if it doesn't rain in October.

"This year on the island of Brava, so far, I can say that it hasn't rained as expected, because we're already in October and the crops have already started to wither for lack of water. But we're still hopeful, because we farmers are always hopeful," he said.

In Nossa Senhora do Monte, Inforpress was also able to see that the plants are all wilting and the ground is quite dry.

According to farmer José Da Lomba, the seeds were sown on the spot, but the poor rainfall that fell months ago will certainly affect rainfed production, as the cornfield is drying out.

"In the areas of the parish of Nossa Senhora do Monte, more rain is needed to advance the crops that are drying out," he said.

With regard to pasture, this farmer said that it is guaranteed, but stressed that care must be taken when using it, because there isn't much of it and so he urged the shepherds to always make good use of it.

At the moment, farmers are pinning their hopes on the possible rains in October to guarantee the agricultural year on the island of Brava.

Inforpress/End