Based on the exponential growth of blueberry crops and sales to the world's main markets, it is possible to anticipate Peru will become the leading global exporter of said produce over the next two years, Peru's Agriculture Minister Jose Hernandez affirmed.
The government official highlighted the extraordinary potential of agricultural exports over the upcoming years, as well as the recent agreement reached with Colombia granting access to five Peruvian agricultural products.
Hernandez also referred to the Agriculture Ministry's goal of reducing rural poverty by 50% by the end of 2021 through the promotion of productive activities, which will lead to increase small-scale producers' income.
2017 Budget
During his presentation before the Congress Budget Commission on Wednesday, the Agriculture portfolio head informed the Agriculture FY2017 budget reaches S/2.015 billion (about US$592.4 million), a 0.4% increase over this year's.
“The target is to have a prosperous, inclusive agricultural sector by increasing productivity, competitiveness and profitability of agro production,” Hernandez said.
“This will entail rising employment rates, enhancing income distribution, reducing poverty and contributing to Peruvians' food security within a framework of equality and sustainable harnessing of natural resources,” he added.
The Minister also stressed sector measures aim to enable development of local agricultural markets.
“We aim at GDP growth of at least 4% and to double agricultural exports to US$10 billion by 2021,” he declared.
Programs underway
Hernandez noted the Agriculture portfolio works on a series of measures to be implemented in order to boost the industry, such as the initial launch of Sierra Azul program (irrigation, water harvesting and infrastructure) and the General Livestock Management section.
In 2017, Sierra Azul program aims to benefit 33,371 families — mainly in high-Andean areas — and 35,925 hectares of agricultural land through irrigation infrastructure and 762 km of improved water canals.
Other programs to be implemented include Serviagro (farming services platform), AgroJoven (internships for university senior students), the forest development plan, strengthening of Agrobanco (agricultural bank), among others.
(END) JJN/JJN/DHT/RMB
Published: 10/12/2016