Communicating the results of the audit of that Ministry at the National People’s Power Assembly (ANPP, Parliament), the president of the Permanent Commission of Agrifood, Ramón Aguilar, said that these problems hinder the increase in food production.

According to the information, there is high technical obsolescence in the sector, which also faces other shortcomings, such as lack of control and low wages for the workers, which conspire against the development of most of its activities.

The report assures that the implementation of measures to promote non-state fishing activity is progressing, among which the authorization of boat construction and repair services stands out.

The authorization to natural persons to import engines of up to 60 horsepower, without commercial purposes, and the creation of conditions for the wholesale sale of fishing gear, means of protection and other inputs, are other measures.

The Ministry stressed that ‘in the effort to contribute to the nation’s Food Sovereignty and Food and Nutritional Security, more integration and systematization’ is required in the implementation of the Aquaculture Development Program.

Among the problems that prevent the progress of the Program are the difficulties to exploit the reservoirs fully, complete the workforce and improve the living conditions of fishermen.

Regarding milk production for the industry in 2023, the report emphasized that ‘it reached 67.2 percent of what was contracted, causing problems in the main destinations and accounting for less than 50 percent of what was demanded for the basic food basket.’

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