Farmers and fishers cautioned about opening of Bagre Dam

Accra, Aug 19, GNA- The Ministry of Food and Agriculture through the Ministry's Regional Directorates, on Tuesday announced again that the floodgates of Burkina Faso's Bagre Dam would be opened on Thursday, 21st August, 2008.

Farmers and fishers whose activities are carried on and within the catchment areas of the White Volta River should, therefore, take note of the intended measure.

A statement issued and signed by Mr Ernest Akiobuor Debrah, Minister of Food and Agriculture in Accra, said this information was to avert the situation where farmers and fishers would be adversely affected as the opening of the floodgates was expected to lead to heavy floods within the catchment areas of the river.

It said farmers who have farms within the flood prone areas were to exercise caution in making further investments.

The statement said "For those who intend to farm, the Ministry strongly recommends that, they hold on until after the spillage and the flood waters have receded."

The release said farmers who needed advise should contact the nearest Ministry of Food and Agriculture offices, Agriculture Extension Agency or National Disaster Management Organisation representatives in their localities, the statement concluded.