Peru: Agriculture up by 3.2%
During the Agriculture's Month and Farmer's Day celebrated on Wednesday, Benites sent corresponding greetings to Peruvian farmers. Likewise, he said the sector has become one of the main economic activities, which boosts development in Peru.
The annual expansion of 3.2% is higher than the mining sector’s 1.7% growth.
"By the end of this year, agriculture may register a growth of 2.1%; and in 2016 it will experience expansion rates of 3.2%," he told.
Agro-exports
The Head of the Ministry said agro-exports have reached an exponential growth each five years leading to annual sales worth over US$4.7 billion.
Likewise, Peruvian agricultural products such as grapes, asparagus, Hass avocado, coffee and cocoa among others have conquered over 150 markets in the world.
"We are the first producers of quinoa and asparagus in the world; the third largest producers of Hass avocado and artichokes; and the fourth of peppers. This shows agriculture is the activity that boosts the country," the Minister expressed.
S/.1.2 billion (about US$390 million) has been aimed at irrigation projects. Of that amount S/.800 million (about US$253 million) are "currently under execution."
Land conversion
Last, he addressed the land conversion process undertaken in the Valley formed by the Apurimac, Ene and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM).
"We have already defined 1,326 ha of coca [crops] to be replaced with pineapple, coffee, cocoa, in order to reach 3,000 ha of converted lands by the end of the year," Benites stated.
Source: andina.com.pe