Salvadoran Assembly Approves $5 million for Corn and Beans

With 71 votes, the Legislature approved the favorable vote of the Treasury and Budget Commission, to empower the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock with the special temporary provisions to ensure an adequate supply of seeds for beans and corn, as well as the materials required for their production.

The special and transient provisions translate to a budget increase of $5 million for the purchase of bean and corn seeds and production materials, through direct purchase from national and international suppliers to replant an estimated 6000 hectares that were lost during the recent weather phenomenon.

The budget increase is intended to counter the damage and losses to agricultural crops caused by tropical depression 12-E, which has had a negative impact on the supply of basic grains as well as a rise in their price in the national market.

According to recent MAG estimates, total losses in corn could reach 1.8 million bushels and beans 700 000, with 3.9 million bushels and 370 000 of beans still at risk, out of a projected harvest of 20.2 million and 2.2 million respectively.

The decree aims to secure a supply of seeds for beans and corn and production materials at a reasonable price for the people of El Salvador.

Source: Asamblea Legislativa (El Salvador)

More on this topic

El Salvador: $11 million to Restore Plantations

November 2011

The Ministry of Agriculture will provide $11 million to compensate for losses caused by the excessive rains.

Hugo Flores, deputy minister, explained that the money will go towards replanting, renovating at-risk areas, and supporting the aquaculture sector, among other schemes.

El Salvador to Import Basic Grains Duty Free

November 2011

A decree authorized the duty-free import of basic grains, maize and beans, to ensure supply for the population.

By means of Decree 907, the MAG has been empowered to buy and sell seed and grain, bean and maize and materials for their production, in order to guarantee the price of the product and transfer it at a reasonable cost to the public.

Improved Corn and Bean Seeds for Guatemala

March 2009

A program looking to provide better seeds to farmers to improve production yields has been launched.

The Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology launched a program to improve the yield in the production of corn and bean seeds with the support of the Mexican Institute for the Improvement of Seed Technology.

Up to 60% Losses in Corn and Bean Harvests

September 2010

Though Salvadoran producers' forecasts were to exceed the previous year's harvest, the heavy rains have led to huge losses.

El Salvador's Farming Ministry (MAG in Spanish) had initially estimated that losses would be in the region of 30% for basic grains, in particular corn and bean.