Nicaragua's Central Bank President Unveils Comprehensive Plan for 100% Food Security

Ovidio Reyes, President of the Central Bank of Nicaragua and coordinator of the National System of Production, Consumption, and Commerce, has announced an ambitious plan aimed at achieving 100% food security in the country. The plan, unveiled on May 17, 2024, focuses on promoting family farming, increasing internal trade and exports, and improving technical education, with a particular emphasis on boosting bean production and reducing rice imports.

The plan outlines six key policies to guarantee food security. These include promoting family farming, improving plant and animal health, increasing internal trade and exports, enhancing technical and university education, implementing resilient measures against climate variability, and reducing rice imports.

Reyes emphasized the importance of supporting small producers who intensively cultivate grains, particularly beans, to increase national production and reduce reliance on imports. "The issue of food security is intended to be achieved through the promotion of family farming since the small producers are the ones who intensively cultivate the grain," Reyes stated.

The plan also aims to improve plant and animal health by developing laboratories, conducting examinations and inspections, and implementing a pest and disease eradication program. These measures are designed to ensure the safety and quality of food produced in Nicaragua.

Increasing internal trade and exports is another critical component of the plan. By boosting trade and exports, the plan seeks to stimulate economic growth and enhance food security. This approach is expected to create more opportunities for local farmers and producers, contributing to poverty reduction.

Improving technical and university education in rural areas is also a priority. By equipping farmers with the necessary skills and knowledge, the plan aims to enhance agricultural productivity and efficiency. This educational initiative is expected to play a crucial role in achieving the overall goal of food security.

The plan includes measures to mitigate the impact of climate, justice, without, social, economic, justi on agriculture. By implementing resilient strategies against climate variability, the plan seeks to ensure that food production remains stable and sustainable in the face of environmental challenges.

One of the specific goals of the plan is to increase rice production from the current 70% to 100%, thereby reducing reliance on imports. This objective is part of a broader effort to achieve self-sufficiency in staple crops and ensure that all the products consumed by Nicaraguans are produced domestically.

Reyes highlighted that bean production is not only for national consumption but also for export. This dual focus on domestic consumption and export underscores the importance of beans in Nicaragua's agricultural strategy and its role in achieving food security.

The ultimate goal of the plan is to reach 100% of the products that Nicaraguans consume, thereby ensuring food security and reducing poverty. By focusing on key areas such as family farming, education, and climate resilience, Nicaragua aims to create a sustainable and secure food system for its population.

Key Takeaways

• Nicaragua aims to achieve 100% food security through a new plan.
• Plan focuses on family farming, internal trade, and exports.
• Boosting bean production and reducing rice imports are key goals.
• Improving education and climate resilience are also crucial components.
• Ultimate goal is to produce 100% of consumed products domestically.