Yesterday, coca growing farmers were gathering around noon at the main plaza in Cochabamba city, to show support to the president and his government. During the last hectic days, few groups that used to riot remained calm this time, namely coca growers from both Yungas and Chapare; hydrocarbon workers who remained aside of the protests, mainly because their salaries are higher than the average; and public transportation workers, who enforced a rise in their prices not so long ago. The groups who were protesting were mainly teachers, health and miners. So, you can see that most public service in Bolivia is fragile, services vary and in general there is little concern over society’s needs.

INRA is the National Institute for Agrarian Reform, in charge of land titling nationwide. Yesterday the President was given titles in Uyuni (salt plain in Potosi department) with Juan Carlos Rojas, INRA’s Director. On the same day, in La Paz, Julio Urapotina was being appointed as new Director by the Minister of Rural Development and Land, Nemecia Achacollo.

INRA’s target until 2013 is to review land titling of around 80 million hectares. Bolivia has 108 million hectares suited for agriculture; Santa Cruz has around 32 million. ERBOL, a news agency, reported that Rojas found out of his replacement when he was giving land titles with the president.

We have to remember that last year there was shortage of sugar; even imports were not enough for the nation’s demand; contraband of sugar was rampant especially on the border with Peru. Soy exports were halted and more red tape was enforced on a variety of agricultural products. Thus, production was discouraged and Bolivia’s food security is at risk.

Long gone were the days were Title II and Title III produce came from the USA, per Public Law 480. If there would be a shortage of food, we need to seek similar aid or import properly. The way food imports were handled by the government, generated discomfort on Bolivian population who had to stand long hours “in line” Prices were high and some private companies had to intervene in the aid of the government on its purchase from Brazil.

Because of all the above, we can say future is grim. INRA has a very important role to play. We just hope government goes back in their initial track, and reassure our agricultural sector that it is safe to invest. Santa Cruz performance is out of the question; it did before and can do it again. Bolivia has the means to expand our agricultural frontier; we can produce for our own consumption, provided we can export our surpluses. That is the only way private investment, and existing local know-how can make it happen.

I wish some people would remember an old say: If it ain’t broke why fix it?