Bolivia: Rice producers in Beni face crisis due to diesel shortage and lack of credit

Farmers warn of a reduction in the planted area to 50 thousand hectares, due to insufficient fuel and the impossibility of accessing agrochemicals Rice producers in Beni are in a state of emergency due to the shortage of diesel, a fundamental input for agricultural work. Although fuel is available at the pumps, it is not enough to cover the necessary demand in the field. David Pérez, president of the Association of Rice Producers in Beni (ADEPAB), expressed his concern, since several farmers have begun to prepare the soil for the summer planting campaign, taking advantage of the recent rains in the region. “Producers have been queuing at the pumps for a week to buy diesel. We have been working little by little, preparing the land for planting, but there has come a time when fuel does not supply enough. We are taking advantage of the rains, but once it starts to rain constantly, we will no longer be able to sow,” said Pérez. “Producers have been queuing at the pumps for a week to ...