Atacama Region, Chile distributes alfalfa feed to livestock producers after severe storm

The regional government of Atacama, together with INDAP, began the first delivery cycle of roughly 12,000 sacks of alfalfa pellets to crianceros across communes such as Alto del Carmen, Freirina, Tierra Amarilla, Huasco, Vallenar, Copiapó and San Pedro. Governor Miguel Vargas Correa said the program “has allowed us to respond promptly to one of the main needs of the rural sector after the frontal system.” Regional presidential delegate Sofia Cid praised the joint effort, noting that the aid helps families that depend on livestock for their livelihood.

In the neighboring Limarí province, the Sociedad Agrícola del Norte, the Sociedad Nacional de Agricultura (SNA) and the Confederación Nacional de Transporte de Carga collaborated to bring more than 30 tonnes of alfalfa bales. SAN president María Inés Figari emphasized the urgency, stating “the animals were beginning to suffer from lack of food and we could not wait any longer.” The feed will be distributed through the provincial presidential delegation with support from the Cooperative Control Pisquero.

Both initiatives aim to sustain animal feeding during the emergency caused by the recent heavy rains that struck the Atacama region.