The Government of Peru approved a total extraordinary package of 170 million soles, almost US$50 million at today’s exchange rate, to face the crisis that affects the rice production chain. The measure includes the purchase and free distribution of cereal to vulnerable populations, as well as resources for irrigation infrastructure and support for producers hit by oversupply and increased production costs.
The provision was made official through Emergency Decree No. 005-2026, which authorizes the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (Midagri) to execute a transfer of up to S/ 120 million aimed at mitigating the economic impact faced mainly by small family farming producers.
The objective is to preserve productive activity and reduce the risks associated with the deterioration of farmers’ profitability.
As part of the program, the Midagri will be able to acquire rice to distribute it free of charge among people in situations of poverty and extreme poverty in targeted districts, defined according to the poverty map prepared by the InNational Institute of Statistics and Informatics (INEI).
The initiative seeks to simultaneously address two fronts: alleviate the economic situation of producers affected by oversupply and contribute to the food supply of the most vulnerable sectors.
For its implementation, the ministry must approve the operational guidelines, including targeting criteria, receiving entities and distribution mechanisms, within a maximum period of ten business days.
In addition to the resources allocated to the rice chain, the decree authorizes an additional transfer of S/ 50 million to finance cleaning activities and maintenance of minor irrigation infrastructure.
The works will be carried out through execution centers in districts declared in a state of emergency, with the aim of reducing the impacts of rains and floods on agricultural activity.
According to the Government, these interventions will strengthen the operational capacity of the water infrastructure used by small producers in different regions of the country.
