Panama Banana Producers Demand Government Action on Unmet Aid Promises

Banana farmers in Barú, Chiriquí Province, Panama, are voicing deep concern over the government's failure to deliver on promised support. Months after commitments were made, producers are still awaiting crucial aid, including the drilling of wells, delivery of essential agricultural inputs, and economic assistance to navigate the dry season and the effects of El Niño. The lack of progress and communication from authorities has left more than 500 farmers in a state of uncertainty. Luis Quintero, a local producer, stated that the sector had granted the government time to advance projects like well construction and support programs for small farmers, but these initiatives remain incomplete. "We are still waiting for answers," Quintero said. Farmers also highlighted the halt in agricultural projects and the non-delivery of fertilizers. Despite an announcement of support for small producers following a June 2025 memorandum of understanding with Morocco for annual fertilizer donations between 2026 and 2028, these promises have yet to materialize. Nelson Rojas lamented, "They have made us promises of wells, fertilizers, and meetings to explain how these projects would be developed, but everything has remained promises." Adding to their woes, producers are grappling with escalating production costs, which are severely impacting profitability. Guillermo Santamaría noted the difficulty in maintaining the banana business, with yields dropping significantly from 700-900 per hectare to just 60-70. The deterioration of farm-to-market roads further complicates the transport of their harvests. The producers are now urgently requesting intervention from the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA) and the Agricultural Marketing Institute (IMA) to find viable solutions and strengthen the agricultural sector in the district.