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Torres addresses water concerns of Kagman farmers
Responding to concerns within the farming community regarding equitable and consistent access to water, acting governor Ralph DLG. Torres met with Department of Agriculture officials to uncover the problems with the current irrigation system and resolve longstanding issues.
“Agriculture is the bedrock of our economy and livelihood in the CNMI,” Torres said during his visit to the Kagman water wells yesterday morning. “One key aspect of creating a successful industry in agriculture is the access to water. Today we have made good progress toward revamping the way we as a government provide this essential factor to our many farmers in the Kagman area.”
To better provide water services to the Kagman farmers, Torres has pledged to allocate funding for the repair and rehabilitation of existing water pumps in the area, as well as coordinate with other departments and agencies to improve the water catchment system, water storage, and irrigation pathways.
According to Department of Lands and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Seman, “This is a necessary step in ensuring our farmers are supported and given the resources they need to succeed in their operations. I thank the acting governor for taking a hands-on approach in helping those in our community advance our farming sector.”
Looking ahead, Torres recognizes the need to find an immediate solution. “Our Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, along with their federal counterparts, have been raising the very real possibility that this coming year will bring a drought to the CNMI. We need to help our farmers prepare for the likelihood of decreased rainfall so that their crops and their livelihoods will not be harmed.”
For Torres, the success of farmers has wide ranging benefits for the entire community. “The farmers have had to struggle with the weather this year and have shown incredible resilience. Supporting them through improving our well and irrigation system means more fresh and healthy produce for our families and increased economic activity from our local producers. The improvements we are working toward will be a win for us all.” (Office of the Lieutenant Governor)
