Cotton farmers clamor for compensation [Archives:2005/906/Local News]

SANA'A, Dec. 25 – Cotton farmers in Hudeidah province appealed to the President last Thursday to instruct concerned governmental bodies to compensate the farmers for what they lost this season. The appeal came after the Ministry of Agriculture and the General Authority for Textile and Weaving backed out from their commitment to grant loans the farmers in support for their cotton plantation expansion.

In their petition, signed by 120 farmers from 25 agricultural societies in Hudeidah, the farmers said they were informed of the president's directions to expand cotton plantation in 2004- 05 seasons. They said they aimed at achieving a high rate of productivity this season but insecticides spread in their farms destroyed the crops. A vast area was destroyed because of these bad insecticides making the 2005 product less than the planed rate by far.

The farmers added that they contacted the Ministry of Agriculture to investigate and hold officials who deliberately ignored the crises. They met with the Minister of Agriculture, who promised to make up for the damages. The Minister proposed ten Yemeni Riyals (amounting six US cents) per kilo of cotton, but such promises have gone awry.

The farmers have shown concern over the government's disavowal after it had lifted subsidies on fuel products, which led to the exhaustion of their possessions. They have sold their cattle and other possessions because the General Authority for Textile and Weaving did not give them more than one loan. They demanded the provision of irrigation network to save more water for farming and requested the government to keep its pledges for raising the cotton prices and deal with their debts. The Hudeidah farmers confirmed that the season of cotton plantation has started with vast areas being cultivated and these areas depend on well water.

Consequent to their deteriorating conditions, many farmers were compelled to abandon their farms. They feared of deliberate ignorance by the concerned authorities, which led to the season's losses. Thousands of families depend mainly on the outcome of this season. The farmers said the government's ignorance would create agricultural disorder, increase desertification and lead to closure of cotton spinning shops.
——
[archive-e:906-v:14-y:2005-d:2005-12-26-p:ln]