Background on Governor Rubén Rocha Moya and His Relevance
Rubén Rocha Moya, the current governor of Sinaloa, Mexico, has initiated a program to distribute seeds for both temporary crop producers and livestock farmers. This initiative, totaling an investment of 35 million pesos, is particularly crucial for local livestock farmers who will receive sorgho forage seed, ideal for planting as the first rains of the season have begun.
Details of the Seed Distribution Program
The Secretary of Agriculture and Livestock, Ismael Bello Esquivel, outlined the program’s scope. It will support both agricultural and livestock producers in the highlands, providing:
- 500 tonnes of sorgho forage
- 58 tonnes of certified peanut seed
- 10 tonnes of native corn
- 150 tonnes of chickpeas
- 74 tonnes of beans
- 7 tonnes of carthamus (safflower)
The program’s launch coincides with the onset of rainfall in the highlands, creating optimal conditions for planting sorgho forage, which serves as fodder for livestock. Rocha Moya emphasized the program’s importance, stating that the recent rains have moistened the soil, setting the stage for planting.
Governor’s Perspective on the Rainfall and Program
Rocha Moya acknowledged the timely start of this seed distribution program, as the first rains have begun. He highlighted that fertilizers had already been provided to temporary producers, and now seeds will be distributed to capitalize on the initial moisture in certain regions. He expressed satisfaction with the recent rains, though acknowledged that a heavy downpour is still needed to thoroughly saturate the soil.
Rainfall Update from the State’s Protection Civil Institute
At the governor’s request, Roy Navarrete Cuevas, Director of the Instituto Estatal de Protección Civil, provided an update on recent rainfall across various Sinaloa municipalities. Navarrete Cuevas reported that the outlook for June’s remaining days predicts 150 to 200 mm of rainfall in the highlands, 30 to 70 mm in the valley, and 10 to 30 mm along the coast.
He noted that the Sierra region has experienced substantial rainfall over the past week, causing runoff in mountainous areas. This runoff has positively impacted groundwater and biodiversity as it flows into river basins. Navarrete Cuevas also mentioned significant rainfall in Cosalá, Badiraguato, El Fuerte, Mazatlán, and Elota, as well as in Choix, San Ignacio, Escuinapa, Concordia, and Mocorito, which have generated runoff still in progress.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the program about? Governor Rubén Rocha Moya has initiated a seed distribution program for temporary crop producers and livestock farmers, investing 35 million pesos.
- Who benefits from this program? The initiative primarily supports agricultural and livestock producers in Sinaloa’s highlands.
- What seeds are being distributed? Farmers will receive sorgho forage, peanut, corn, chickpea, bean, and carthamus seeds.
- Why is the timing of this program significant? The distribution begins as the first rains of the season start, creating ideal conditions for planting sorgho forage.
- What is the predicted rainfall for Sinaloa? June’s remaining days are expected to bring 150-200 mm of rainfall in the highlands, 30-70 mm in the valley, and 10-30 mm along the coast.