The deputies of the Finance Commission continue to receive officials from different State portfolios to jointly study the General Budget of the Nation 2025, which will be fully financed, so El Salvador will not spend more than it produces annually. in taxes and other economic sources.
Today, the members of the working group listened to the presentation of representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG), in order to know what plans and projects to be developed with the funds that will be assigned to that State portfolio.
From the national budget ($9,663,000,000), the MAG will be granted $91,452,842 million. These resources will cover the institutional operating expenses and salaries of the personnel who work in that area.
In addition, these funds will be used to continue the execution of programs that contribute to the transformation and modernization of agriculture in the country, taking into consideration important priorities.
“We are in charge of guaranteeing food security and for that same reason, by implementing and executing programs that are giving good results, we must continue with that task,” said the MAG representatives.
With the allocated budget, the MAG will also seek to further develop fishing and aquaculture; implement plant health; obtain forestry, watershed and irrigation planning; deploy programs to strengthen the climate resilience of coffee forests in the country; implement comprehensive development programs for priority populations, among others.
Furthermore, according to MAG experts, the funds for the affiliated institutions will be distributed as follows:
Salvadoran Institute of Agrarian Transformation (ISTA) $5,520,444; to the National Center for Agricultural and Forestry Technology (CENTA) $6,831,322; to the “Roberto Quiñónez” National School of Agriculture (ENA) $2, 172, 130; Animal Welfare Institute (IBA) $16,664,486; Salvadoran Coffee Institute (ISC) $4,071,708; and to the Agricultural Trade Development Center (CDCA) $6,000,000.
Priority axes of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock
Sovereignty and food security, a path that the institution has already started, must continue in the remaining years to come, according to Domínguez. EL MAG needs to continue working and investing so that families have food in their homes and producers have profitability for their crops.
Another of the axes is the positioning of agricultural products in national markets, among others. Reactivating and implementing sustainable development of coffee growing is also part of the objectives.
the promotion of new markets for the productive sectors and the sustainable development of livestock farming are the points of institutional coverage.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Agriculture Expert
Editor: Good day, and thank you for joining us. Today, we’re focusing on the General Budget of the Nation 2025 in El Salvador, particularly the allocation for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. Joining us is Dr. Maria Salazar, an expert in agricultural policy and rural development. Maria, it’s great to have you here!
Dr. Salazar: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss this crucial topic.
Editor: Let’s dive into it. The Salvadoran government is emphasizing that the 2025 budget will be fully financed. Can you explain the significance of this approach, especially in terms of agricultural development?
Dr. Salazar: Absolutely. A fully financed budget means that the government will not spend beyond its means, which is critical for long-term financial stability. For agriculture, this ensures that funds allocated can be used effectively without the worry of accruing unsustainable debt. A focus on sustainability will allow for investments in modern agricultural practices and food security initiatives.
Editor: Speaking of funds, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock is set to receive approximately $91 million from the national budget. How do you see this impacting the agricultural landscape in El Salvador?
Dr. Salazar: The allocation of $91,452,842 million is substantial and can lead to significant improvements. First and foremost, this budget will cover operational expenses and employee salaries, ensuring that the ministry can function effectively. The remaining funds will empower innovative programs aimed at modernizing agriculture, which is essential given the challenges of climate change and food security.
Editor: You mentioned food security. Can you elaborate on why food security is a top priority for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock?
Dr. Salazar: Food security is paramount because it directly affects the health and stability of the population. In El Salvador, many families rely on agriculture for their livelihoods. By ensuring that there are effective programs in place that yield positive results, the MAG is pursuing a dual goal: improving agricultural productivity and enhancing the nutritional standards of the populace. This is critical in combatting poverty and enabling economic growth.
Editor: The representatives from MAG also emphasized the importance of transforming and modernizing agriculture. What specific programs or innovations do you think should be prioritized with this budget?
Dr. Salazar: I believe investment in technology is key, such as precision agriculture techniques that can help farmers maximize their yields while minimizing resources. Additionally, funding could be directed towards research in sustainable farming practices and the development of climate-resilient crops, which are vital in light of environmental changes. Programs aimed at improving access to markets for smallholder farmers would also be beneficial.
Editor: It sounds like there are a lot of opportunities for impactful changes within this budget. What challenges do you anticipate might arise while implementing these initiatives?
Dr. Salazar: One major challenge could be bureaucratic inefficiencies, which can slow down the implementation of new programs. Furthermore, ensuring that the funds reach the intended projects in rural areas can be a logistical hurdle. Communication and transparency will be crucial in overcoming these issues. Additionally, there’s always a risk of external factors, such as global market fluctuations or natural disasters, impacting agricultural outputs.
Editor: Those are definitely important considerations. Maria, what message would you like to leave our readers regarding El Salvador’s agricultural future based on this budget allocation?
Dr. Salazar: I think it’s essential for the public to recognize that effective use of this budget could lay the groundwork for a more resilient agricultural sector in El Salvador. With a commitment to modern practices and food security, this budget can be a turning point for sustainable agricultural development. Engaging local farmers and communities in this process will also be critical for success.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Salazar, for your insights today. It’s clear that the 2025 budget presents both opportunities and challenges, and your expertise greatly enhances our understanding of these dynamics.
Dr. Salazar: Thank you for having me! I look forward to seeing how these policies unfold in the coming years.