In a compassionate response to the aftermath of the severe flooding that struck on December 7, Minister Flavien Joubert conducted a poignant visit on December 27 to farmers grappling with the devastating consequences. Accompanied by key officials including Mr. Keven Nancy, the Principal Secretary of the Agriculture Department, Ms. Linetta Joubert, Chief Officer, and Chief Extension Service, Ms. Sandra Sinon, the minister sought to assess the extent of the damage and provide reassurance to those affected.
The first leg of Minister Joubert’s visit took him to Grand Anse Mahe, where he met Mr. Rodley Mathieu, a seasoned farmer with more than two decades of experience. Mr. Mathieu, a witness to the destruction wrought by the flooding, shared his heart-wrenching testimony with the minister. He revealed the harsh reality that he had lost everything, forcing him to contemplate starting afresh. Despite this adversity, a glimmer of hope emerged as Mr. Mathieu managed to salvage a few eggplants.
The minister, acknowledging the resilience of Mr. Mathieu and others facing similar challenges, expressed sincere empathy for their predicament. Minister Joubert assured them that the Ministry is committed to aiding in their recovery and rebuilding efforts.
Continuing the visit, Minister Joubert met with Mr. Lester Underwood from Guytho Houreau’s farm. Emotions ran high as Mr. Underwood expressed his disappointment, stating that this was the first time he had encountered such drastic rainfall. Beyond the impact of the flood, Mr. Underwood highlighted additional challenges, including theft on his farm, employee turnover, and the absence of a reliable irrigation system.
Minister Joubert and his team, attentive to the multifaceted issues raised by Mr. Underwood, pledged to address these concerns comprehensively. The minister recognized the importance of a stable work environment and sustainable farming practices, promising support from the Ministry to overcome these challenges. Venturing further into the northern region of Mahe, Minister Joubert encountered farmers who had borne the brunt of the flooding, losing not only crops but also a portion of their land and equipment. These farmers, facing uncertainty about future weather patterns, expressed reluctance to resume production. Among those severely impacted was Mr. Hudson Philo from Le Niol, whose farm suffered extensive damage from a water spout. A partial loss of land, alongside a shed full of juvenile mushrooms and essential equipment, underscored the severity of the event. Despite this setback, Mr. Philo remains optimistic, actively seeking alternative methods to fortify his farm against future weather challenges.
Minister Joubert, recognizing the resilience of farmers like Mr. Philo, reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to supporting recovery efforts. He expressed empathy for their struggles and assured them that the Ministry would consider specific measures to facilitate the rehabilitation of the affected agricultural community.
In conclusion, Minister Joubert said that “Following this visit, in the face of adversity, witnessing the resilience and determination of our farmers has left an indelible mark on my heart. Today, I stand committed to ensuring that the Ministry provides unwavering support to help our farmers rebuild and thrive once again. Together, we shall cultivate a future that withstands the challenges of nature, fostering a stronger, more resilient agricultural community for generations to come.” He further stated that the visit not only served as a gesture of solidarity but also emphasized the Ministry’s dedication to assisting farmers in overcoming the challenges posed by natural disasters.
To add in a promising turn of events, following the visit yesterday, the Agriculture Department has swiftly initiated the distribution of essential equipment to farmers severely affected by the recent flooding. Mr. Tirant, one of the hard-hit farmers, joyfully received irrigation pipes from the dedicated Extension Officer from the North.