Panama Ministry Promotes Seed Multiplication Project in Guna Yala

Panama's Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA), through its Colón Regional office and the Guna Yala Agency, is spearheading a project to enhance food production within the Guna Yala indigenous territory. The initiative, titled "Multiplication of Seeds and Vegetative Material of Food Crops in Communities of the Guna Yala Comarca," seeks to increase the availability of quality planting materials.

The project involves collaboration with the Institute of Agricultural Innovation of Panama (IDIAP) and the Food Security Secretariat of the General Congress of the Guna Yala comarca. Initial steps included meetings with local producers and authorities in the Naranjo Chico and Isberyala communities near Cartí. During these meetings, the project's objectives and expected benefits were explained.

Key food crops targeted for multiplication include rice, corn, cassava, sweet potato, taro, yam, and plantains, with a specific mention of the Curaré Enano plantain variety. The communities have responded positively, agreeing to identify and prepare land for multiplication plots. The project is also planned to expand to other areas within Guna Yala based on requests from local authorities.

MIDA will provide technical assistance to the selected communities, while IDIAP will support the provision of planting materials and monitor the plots. This collaborative effort aims to strengthen local food security by ensuring a consistent supply of seeds and planting materials, thereby supporting sustainable agricultural practices within the Guna Yala region.