Small-scale livestock farmers face post-cyclone challenges to recovery

By Admin 06 Sep 2023

DMG Newsroom
6 September 2023, Sittwe

Small-scale livestock farmers in Arakan State have called on authorities to provide loans as they are struggling to resume their businesses after being hard-hit by Cyclone Mocha in May.

The farmers had made a living raising chickens, pigs, goats and other livestock, but many of their animals were killed by the cyclone.

“Nearly 200 chickens were killed by the storm. The coop was also destroyed. I have no money to restart my business,” said Ma Khin Moe Nwe from Kyettawpyin Village in Sittwe Township.

While some small-scale livestock farmers have been forced to suspend their businesses, others have pawned gold jewellery or other valuables in order to get the money to resume operations.

“My goats got cold because of the storm, and around 50 of them died. I can’t afford to restock. However, I plan to buy more goats by selling my possessions,” said U Atu Kurain from Letsaungkauk (Muslim) Village.

Livestock farmers looking to recover from the storm say easier access to capital is needed.

“I can’t expand my business because I have no money. I need to raise more livestock to be able to support my family. We want the concerned departments to provide assistance,” said U Than Aung Kyaw from Ywa Thit Kay Village in Mrauk-U Township.

When interviewed by DMG, an official from the Arakan State Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department said: “The government normally provides one loan per year as part of the Emerald Green project. However, it does not provide loans to small-scale livestock farmers.”

People have called on authorities to provide low-interest loans for small-scale entrepreneurs and farmers who were affected by Cyclone Mocha to allow them to recover and expand their businesses.