The production of oilseeds and wheat will only grow by 5% this year due to drought, constant threats of illegal land take-overs and the lack of definition about the use of biotechnology, according to the Association of producers of oil and wheat (ANAPO).

The President of that organization, Demetrio Perez, stated that its sector expects a response from the Government, because “there is a stagnation in the agricultural sector, there is not even a 5% growth, especially in the oilseeds.” “We are in an area of 750 thousand hectares (has) during two campaigns, we maintain that figure and have no more”, lamented.

Perez said yesterday that there was a fall in the productivity of soybeans in the winter campaign, when there were planted 272 thousand hectares out of the 280 thousand hectares of planned soy; this and the drought caused the reduction of the production of export products. The growth of this year from the grain harvested was 1.6%; in past years the increase was above 2%.

As for maize, 68,000 hectares were harvested; the sunflower had also a diminished performance. Regarding the soy, the producer asserted that “there is a variety that is resistant to drought, and we have been demanding the use of varieties which other countries use; they are genetically modified varieties, but are needed to cut our losses”.

Summer production will offset the decline of winter’s yields. According to ANAPO, they will boost also the production and guarantee the food supply if the State releases the exports.

Please note a big IF… if the government releases the ban on exports. Here and elsewhere, under any  type if economy, a country must induce and promote exports. That generates employment and allows to have internal food security.