Midagri: The first batch of fertilizers will be delivered to only 48,000 agricultural producers

“The first batch of fertilizers purchased in the procurement process conducted by Agro Rural will only be delivered to 48,000 small producers,” said Andrés Alencastre, head of Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (Midagri).

Alencastre noted that it has never been stated that the urea purchased in the process that resulted in the winner from Radi Oil Supply LLC will be delivered to all producers.

“The total amount of the acquisition of 65 thousand tons of urea will be directed to 48 thousand tons. manufacturers less than five hectares and which use urea (in their crops). We have never said that we will give neither to all (producers) nor to all agriculture, but only to take care of the vulnerable band experienced by producers who have less land ownership and use this fertilizer,” the minister said during the opening of the laboratory at the headquarters -Senasa apartment.

The number of beneficiaries commented by the head of Midagri is lower than indicated by Agro Rural CEO Mario Rivero, who recently commented that the fertilizers obtained in this first process will be provided to 120,000 farmers.

Other measures Midagry will take

Alencastre noted that the agricultural sector will encourage the use of guano from the islands and organic fertilizers as part of a strategy to combat poverty, as well as to guarantee the food security of the population.

“I believe that a sufficient step has been taken to ensure (acquisition of) quality urea with the availability, suitability and transparency that has been achieved (with this acquisition). There are other options, such as guano from the islands and organic fertilizers, as well as increasing our own production. fertilizer synthetic, using resources such as phosphates, sulfates and potassium,” he commented.

It should be added that the recent Planting Intentions Study (ENIS) warned that lower fertilizer use would affect food production like rice and potatoes.