Govt. to reforest major river basin with coffee, cocoa

Bonao, Dominican Republic.- President Danilo Medina made oneof his surprise visits Sunday to farmers of the section Hoyo del Pino, where heannounced a project to plant coffee and cacao to reforest the Yuna River basin,in Monseñor Noel province (central).

He designated a commission that will visit Hoyo del Pino onThursday, to coordinate the details of the agro-forestry project such as thenumber of hectares to plant.

Speaking to the area’s agro producers, Medina said reforestationis essential and congratulated them "for your efforts in the area forliving with a sustainable environment; the country is going to thank you."

Medina said although the goal is to produce 30 pounds per 600square meters, there are coffee plantations that can produce as much as 300pounds on the same area. "I want you to have income for a dignified life,so that you don’t have to leave here, it’s a paradise to live here."