Abinader launches program to modernize Dominican agriculture with technology

President Luis Abinader launched the National Mechanization Program (Pronamec) in San Juan, an initiative designed to modernize the agricultural sector through the gradual integration of machinery and new technologies. Abinader urged producers to embrace technological advancements, emphasizing its importance for national security by reducing dependence on foreign labor.

"We must support producers nationwide in gradually mechanizing their work; it is more economical and less complex," Abinader stated. The program will cover various production stages, from land preparation and planting to harvesting and post-harvest activities. It also includes training for specialized operators and mechanics, alongside new financing mechanisms to aid small and medium-sized producers.

The initial phase will feature demonstration plots in San Juan and other locations, evaluating which technologies best suit different crops and regions. The project, with an investment over 200 million pesos, will unfold in three stages. The second stage focuses on flexible financing through agricultural and export development banks, and private banking, encouraging cooperative models for shared machinery use. The third phase aims for national expansion by modernizing the Ministry of Agriculture's mechanization services.

The agricultural sector is a significant contributor to the Dominican economy, representing approximately 5.6% of the GDP, providing 8.8% of national employment, and contributing about 11.8% to exports. During his visit, Abinader also initiated the construction of a new campus for the Universidad Federico Henríquez y Carvajal (UFHEC) and the Plaza Arcasa, projects intended to expand educational offerings, boost commerce, and create jobs.

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We must support producers nationwide in gradually mechanizing their work; it is more economical and less complex.