|
|
 Published Friday, May 22, 2020
supplies valued in more than $46,000
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff
A total of 25 indigenous families received cocoa plants and agricultural supplies valued at $46,906, announced the National Institute of Rural Development on Thursday.
The plants and supplies were delivered to families in the indigenous territories of Comte Burica, Alto Comte, Las Vegas, El Progreso, Los Plancitos, Montezuma, Alto Rey, Cacoragua, Bajo Los Indios and Altos de San Antonio. All territories located in Puntarenas Province.
This project to deliver cocoa plants and supplies is part of a strategy to improve indigenous territories. The goal of this plan is to encourage families to develop their own greenhouses and eventually trade their cocoa production. "In this way, families can reactivate the economy of their territories and have better living conditions," said Harys Regidor-Barboza, president of the institute.
These cocoa plants are hybridizations of six different varieties that guarantee good production, high quality, and high tolerance to diseases, the institute said.
"This cocoa product is our tradition, this is a project that will generate income," said José Carlos Rodríguez-Rodríguez, the representative of the indigenous territories.
The institute did not report how many cocoa plants were delivered per family.
This is the second plan by the government to better aid indigenous territories this month.
On May 3, four medical teams, made up of doctors and a pharmacist, provided medical services in the indigenous reserve of the Huetar Atlántica Region, announced Social Security.
The doctors underwent medical screening to guarantee their good health before traveling to indigenous areas. They were prepared to enter mountainous areas for this special mission.
"Each doctor carries his own survival kit," authorities said.
The doctors visited patients in the communities of Bajo Bley, Piedra Mesa, Beibata and Botubata, during a two-day trip. They entered the reserve by helicopter for the three-day medical mission.
This type of medical care in indigenous areas usually lasts a week, but the emergency of the covid-19 shortened the mission. Also, there was a reduction in the number of people attended as a preventive measure.
Among the main medical attention provided by doctors were skin injuries, burns, back pain, uterine bleeding, otitis, prenatal care, flu, parasites, asthma, among others, Social Security said in its statement.
The most important case was the transfer of a patient by helicopter to the Tony Facio Hospital in Limón Province due to burns on his skin.
During the mission specialists performed 23 medical procedures to extract parts of insects found on the bodies of children.
According to Social Security, the medical team also provided 4,877 coupons for patients to exchange them for medicine at the nearest public clinic.
----------------------------
What other basic needs are lacking in indigenous territories? We would like to know your
thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com |
