Rice farmers from Tolima will export 1,644 tons to Cuba and supply social programs in Colombia.

A total of 4,968 small rice producers in Tolima will sell 1,644 tons of white rice annually as part of a trade agreement that includes exports to Cuba and sales to social programs in Colombia.

This agreement, supported by the Rural Development Agency (ADR), projects business revenues exceeding 5.984 billion pesos annually and seeks to consolidate a direct marketing model without intermediaries.

The strategic alliance was signed between the Corporation for Agricultural, Industrial, and Environmental Development of the User Associations of the Tolima Irrigation Districts (CoagroDistritos) and the ADR (Agricultural Development Agency), and has logistical support from the Baluarte Gran Sabana Federation, which operates institutional programs.

Of the total agreed upon, 1,404 tons of rice will be destined for the Cuban market, while 240 tons will be used to supply state social programs in Colombia , in a weekly delivery scheme.

This operation seeks to position the country as a reliable food supplier, while strengthening the rural economy through associative schemes.

The president of the ADR, César Pachón Achury, noted that this initiative is aligned with the public procurement policy promoted by the national government , which aims to guarantee fair prices for producers, eliminate intermediaries, and boost agricultural exports.

" This way, we guarantee profitability, strengthen food sovereignty, and bring rice to international markets like Cuba ," he said.

For his part, Alfredo Saade, chief of staff of the president, indicated that the agreement reflects the impact of the coordination between farmers and state institutions in strengthening rural development and expanding opportunities for the agricultural sector.

The local rice supply will be coordinated jointly with entities such as Social Prosperity (DPS), the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare (ICBF), and the Ministry of Equality and Equity.

These institutions will ensure continued supply to social programs , in compliance with the objectives of social justice, food security, and rural economic inclusion.

The operation represents a step forward in the government's strategy to consolidate a sustainable agricultural development model, with an emphasis on empowering farmers and strengthening the regional economy.

*This content was written with the assistance of artificial intelligence, based on publicly available information released to media outlets. It was also reviewed by a journalist and an editor.