São Nicolau: Labour shortages caused by youth emigration affecting the start of the agricultural year

Tarrafal, 8 July (Inforpress) – Farmers on the island of São Nicolau today cited the labour shortage, caused by the significant exodus of young people to other islands and abroad, as the main obstacle to getting work under way for the new agricultural year.

In the various agricultural areas of the island, particularly in the Fajã and Queimadas valleys, landowners have complained about the enormous difficulties in finding workers for the tasks, which, according to them, could compromise the sustainability of activities in the field.

In statements to Inforpress, farmer Kevylson Silva, from the Canto de Fajã area, stated that this situation has been dragging on and worsening in recent times, triggering a direct and negative impact on the cultivation of different dryland and irrigated products.

"The lack of manpower is compromising agricultural activity on the island, and the few people who are still available are overwhelmed with various tasks and are not always able to cope," he lamented.

LS/CP

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