El Salvador is undergoing a major agricultural transformation as the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) reports 368,157 acres (213,722 manzanas) currently dedicated to cultivating staple grains, fruits, and vegetables. Driven by the Production Enhancement Program (PAP), this strategy leverages private lands under irrigation districts, cooperatives, and farming associations to maximize crop yields across the nation.
The initiative marks a pivotal shift in domestic food production, expanding specialized vegetable farming to 13,302 acres (7,722 manzanas) and fruit crops to 8,613 acres (5,000 manzanas). Additionally, staple grains dominate the landscape with 346,242 acres (201,000 manzanas), comprising 261,900 acres (152,000 manzanas) of corn and 84,382 acres (49,000 manzanas) of beans to bolster regional food supplies.
Modern technology serves as the backbone of this expansion, featuring 2,000 protected farming structures equipped with climate-resilient drip irrigation and automated systems that protect high-demand crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers from extreme weather. Vice Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Óscar Domínguez highlighted that “the key has been integrating fundamental components, such as technification, mechanization, and the use of high-yielding hybrid seeds adapted to the needs of each crop.”
These technological advancements—developed alongside technical support from international partners including FAO, WFP, and IICA—have boosted crop productivity by up to six times per acre. Domínguez emphasized that 2024 served as “the starting point of a new stage of strengthening national production,” setting a firm foundation for sustainable long-term growth and agricultural resilience.