Ichilo producers reject DS 5676 and stage sporadic blockade on route to Cochabamba

Producers from Ichilo province in Bolivia have initiated protests against Supreme Decree 5676, staging sporadic blockades on the main Santa Cruz - Cochabamba route. Marching from Santa Fe, municipality of San Carlos, the producers gathered in the central plaza before moving to the highway to voice their strong rejection of the decree and demand its immediate repeal.

Participants expressed deep concern that the cost increases mandated by the decree will be the final blow to small and medium-scale producers. These producers are already facing immense pressure from high production costs, the impact of recent floods, and now the additional burden imposed by the new government measure. "This increase will finish off the small and medium producers, who were already hit by high production costs, floods, and now this," lamented one protester.

Following a rally, the demonstrators temporarily cleared the road to allow traffic to resume. However, they have vowed to continue their pressure tactics, announcing further mobilizations for Tuesday in Montero and Santa Cruz de la Sierra. The producers are actively seeking solidarity from other agricultural sectors, particularly sugarcane farmers, hoping to amplify their collective voice and strengthen their demands for the abrogation of Decree 5676.

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This increase will finish off the small and medium producers, who were already hit by high production costs, floods, and now this.