The Government of El Salvador has made significant strides in revitalizing agriculture and livestock production in 2024, with a focus on achieving food sovereignty and enhancing livestock genetics. Vice Minister of Agriculture, Oscar Dominguez, emphasized that this year marks the beginning of a «path of no return» towards improving the country’s agricultural and livestock sectors.
«We have turned what once seemed like a dream into reality,» said Dominguez, highlighting the launch of the largest national livestock genetic improvement initiative. This effort has brought free artificial insemination services, elite bull genetics, veterinary care, and technical assistance to small and medium-sized farms through the deployment of specialized brigades of zootechnicians.
The government also expanded its reach into formerly crime-ridden communities, supported by President Nayib Bukele’s security strategy. In these areas, aquaponic systems were introduced, enabling families to grow vegetables and produce tilapia. Some resourceful community members even began cultivating strawberries and melons, producing sweet and successful harvests.
Dominguez also underscored the commitment to boosting the production of basic grains by promoting the cultivation of high-yield corn using the latest agricultural technologies. «With the support of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG), we are providing Salvadoran producers with the resources they need to succeed,» he added.
In addition, the government has initiated the development of new production areas across the country. Hundreds of mesh houses have been installed, and thousands of high-yield, resistant seeds have been distributed to increase national vegetable and fruit production.
As part of its broader strategy, the government opened strategic Agromarkets to provide Salvadoran families with affordable food, while also offering a fair marketplace for distributors at the Central de Abastos. Following a successful pilot program in Santa Tecla, the first Central de Abastos was established in Soyapango. Dominguez proudly noted that within weeks, 85% of the products available were nationally sourced, with more Agromarkets set to open in 2025.
«The future of Salvadoran agriculture is bright,» Dominguez concluded, affirming that the government has fostered a network of honest farmers ready to provide high-quality products at fair prices for all Salvadorans.