Local, provincial and regional authorities from Cusco and Ayacucho, located in the VRAEM (Valley formed by the rivers Apurimac, Ene and Mantaro) have agreed in supporting a process of productive land conversion, specifically meaning the conversion of coca crops into legal cultivation, which are promoted by the Agriculture and Irrigation Ministry.
The objective of the agreement is to promote a platform of “Agribusiness Development” in the area.
The agreement was adopted during a working meeting held between Juan Manuel Benites, Agriculture and Irrigation Minister and other Department’s officials.
The gathering also intended to boost the development in the area and to improve the population’s life conditions.
Several authorities received training in regtard to the benefits generated by the cultivation of legal products (coffee, cocoa, palm, etc.).
Those were also instructed about the associative practices of farmers, and the advances that are conducted by different entities attached to this Ministry.
The working committee was headed by Benites. It was attended by the Mayors of districts: Llochegua, Canayre, San Miguel, Huanta, Ayahuanco, Santillana, Sivia, Anco, Ayna, Chungui, Santa Rosa, Samugari, Anchihuay, Kimbiri, Pichari and La Mar province, and the representatives of the regions of Cusco and Ayacucho.
The Minister also stressed the coca land conversion represents a “real development opportunity” not only for producers, but also for the entire community living at the Valley.
Additionally, he said the great transformation of Vraem, into an export zone, is a task "involving all the State levels."
The land conversion process and the execution of infrastructure works are initiatives promoted by the Agriculture and Irrigation Ministry.
Those aim at boosting a comprehensive platform of agribusiness development in Vraem.
These measures are taken to improve the quality of the small farmer production through the cultivation of legal products which are more profitable.
Currently, there are 300 hectares of coca-crops that will be soon replaced by legal cultivations.
At the same time, over 1,000 farmers receive training about the benefits of land conversion.
The definition of technical profiles provides access to social infrastructure works in the communities of Triboline, Rosario, Guayaquil and San Martín.
The next technical meeting will be held in Vraem upon request of Minister Benites. It will be attended by representatives of communities and agricultural organizations from the Valley.
"It is necessary to boost the land conversion because, through it, we will reach the development of Vraem," affirmed Wilfredo Oscorima, regional president of Ayacucho.
(END) NDP/MAO/RGR/MVB
Published: 2/27/2015