Guatemala City, by Brenda Larios -AGN- President Alejandro Giammattei’s administration has propelled rural development in the country through credits and subsidies to Guatemalan farmers.
For the first time, this administration granted an unprecedented USD 49 million in subsidies and credits for social development, administered through the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food -MAGA-.
These were allocated to small-scale producers to enhance their agricultural productivity.
Rural Development
The primary objective of implementing programs and projects in the agricultural sector is economic development in rural areas, benefiting thousands of families.
In 2022 alone, President Giammattei’s administration allocated USD 19 million for credits and subsidies benefiting 20,702 families.
Additionally, USD 1.5 million were invested in irrigation systems to ensure product quality and prevent losses. This investment benefited 2,479 producers of basic grains, bell peppers, melons, and others.
In 2023, the government aims to expand the coverage of Guatemalan producers receiving benefits and boost economic growth figures in the national territory, in alignment with the Economy, Competitiveness, and Prosperity axis outlined in the General Government Policy 2020-2024.
Support
This support includes implementing family and community gardens and expanding training to enhance agricultural production. Furthermore, authorities have highlighted the incorporation of native plants into healthy recipes that contribute to the fight against malnutrition.
Moreover, Maga workers collaborate with farmers in other areas. Maga health and nutrition brigades carry out home visits, distribute food to vulnerable communities, collect data on children affected by malnutrition, and invite farmers to participate in height and weight assessment campaigns and trainings where mothers learn to prepare nutritious foods.
According to the authorities, all these interventions aim to fulfill their constitutional mandates by guaranteeing the comprehensive well-being of farmers and their families.
