Hipólito Mejía backs agricultural modernization after visit to Oliverio Espaillat

Santo Domingo, RD.– The former president of the Republic, Hipólito Mejía, gave his support to the transformation and mechanization process initiated by the Minister of Agriculture, Francisco Oliverio Espaillat, whom he visited in his office to exchange impressions and learn about the progress of the sector.

During the meeting, both agreed that the Dominican Republic currently has sufficient production of the main items that make up the family basket, which reflects the strengthening of the agricultural sector in recent years. Subsequently, they toured different areas of the Ministry, where they spoke with managers and technicians, who highlighted the sustained growth of agricultural production, especially in the cultivation of bananas in the southern region of the country. Minister Oliverio Espaillat reiterated his commitment to continue supporting national producers, ensuring the necessary facilities to boost productivity and the development of the Dominican countryside. From his side, former President Hipólito Mejía highlighted the effort of agricultural professionals whom he praised for the work they have been doing in order to ensure that there is food throughout the country. It was also highlighted that banana consumption is largely sustained in the Northwest and South regions, where only between the provinces of San Juan and Elías Piña, some 10,000 tareas are registered, planted under irrigation systems and high density. Regarding other crops, it was reported that the country maintains high production levels of cassava, sweet potato, yautia, and pineapple, with the latter reaching about 26,000 tareas planted.

This meeting reaffirms Minister Espaillat’s commitment to contribute to food security and the sustainable development of Dominican agriculture.