Panama assures sufficient rice supply despite reduced planting

Panama currently has an adequate supply of rice to meet national demand, despite a notable decrease in cultivation over the past two years, according to Roberto Linares, the Minister of Agricultural Development (MIDA).

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It is true that rice planting has decreased by about 15%. However, at this moment, the harvests in Chiriquí and Darién are giving very good averages.

Linares acknowledged that rice planting has decreased by approximately 15%. However, he assured that harvests from Chiriquí and Darién are yielding strong results, ensuring sufficient availability. "We are working directly with the numbers, being impartial. When rice is needed, believe me, it will be brought in, and there will be no shortage of rice here. Right now, it is not needed," Linares stated.

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We are working directly with the numbers, being impartial. When rice is needed, believe me, it will be brought in, and there will be no shortage of rice here. Right now, it is not needed.

Data from the MIDA indicates a significant reduction in cultivated areas. Abel Aparicio, the director of Agriculture at MIDA, reported that while 2024 saw a record 100,000 hectares planted, the current national surface area for rice cultivation is between 50,000 and 55,000 hectares. Despite this reduction, key producing regions like Chiriquí, Darién, and Chepo are maintaining stable production levels due to favorable crop yields.

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In 2024, a record of 100,000 hectares of rice were planted in the country. It is true that two years later we have had a decrease. We can currently talk about 50 to 55 thousand hectares planted nationwide.

However, Aparicio noted that some areas, such as Azuero and Coclé, are experiencing greater production challenges. The latest inventory, conducted on June 20, confirmed that importing rice is not currently necessary. These statements were made during the presentation of MIDA's budgetary proposals for the upcoming year, where the ministry was recommended a budget of $209.3 million, with a significant portion allocated to water, technology, and infrastructure projects.

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The last inventory was carried out on June 20, and the indicators affirm that for now we do not have the need to import and that there is sufficient availability of the grain in the country.