Alternative and sustainable development programs promoted by State-run National Commission for Development and Life without Drugs (Devida) will help —directly and indirectly— more than 45,000 families in Peru's coca-producing areas this year.
"The idea is to increase the number of families involved in
alternative development projects so as to improve their living conditions by adding new revenue streams," Masias told El Peruano official gazette.
Besides substituting
illicit crops —she continued— alternative development lies in increasing
State presence and ensuring better connectivity with markets.
"Our goal is to help them close the production cycle —from field to market— going through all production stages," she commented.
According to Masias, Peru's coca area totals 50,000 hectares. The current administration's goal is to
halve it by the country's Independence Bicentennial in 2021.
She also noted said efforts must include alternative development measures to prevent farmers from rejoining illicit activities.
(END) DOP/RMB/MVB
Published: 9/26/2017