Rice strike: Congressmen call on the government to provide solutions for producers and stop blockades

A new rice farmers' strike has begun, blocking roads in departments such as Huila, Tolima, Sucre, Córdoba, Meta , and Casanare due to the low prices being paid to producers.

The last protest took place four months ago, lasted five days, and was lifted following agreements between industry leaders and the government of President Gustavo Petro. These agreements included marketing assistance and other commitments that, according to producers, have not been fulfilled.

From Congress, some senators and representatives have spoken out about this new crisis in the rice sector.

“Rice producers from Tolima, Huila, Meta, Casanare, and Santander denounce that the government signed agreements in March and forgot to honor them. The result: blockades, economic ruin, and a crisis that could have been avoided. Losses of up to $2,800,000 per hectare, bankrupt farmers, and a countryside crying out for help. And the government? Delayed responses and recycled promises. We must establish fair prices for rice and defend our local producers,” wrote Senator Paloma Valencia of the Democratic Center.

Along the same lines, Radical Change representative Luz Ayda Pastrana stated: “ The national government has turned its back on the rice sector. It's that clear! While losses in the countryside are multiplying, unfulfilled promises abound in Bogotá . We can't talk about food sovereignty while those who plant the rice that reaches Colombians' tables are left to die. The countryside can't stand any more lies!”

For some representatives, the rice strike highlights an unresolved structural problem that requires government support.

"What is happening in Tolima, Huila, Casanare, Meta, and other departments reflects the abandonment felt by thousands of producers in the face of a system that does not guarantee fair prices or minimum conditions to sustain their activity," said representative Ana Rogelia Monsalve.

Along the same lines, he added: “ The draft resolution from the @MinAgricultura is a first step, but much more is needed. The National Government @petrogustavo must urgently assume its responsibility: to guarantee fair conditions for those who grow the rice that feeds the country.”

For the congresswoman, this cannot be a crisis that is only addressed when there are blockages. According to her, a structural solution is needed, with a territorial focus, that listens to the rural population and dignifies their work.

What producers are asking the government and industry is to set a price that allows everyone involved in the production chain to win, since this sector generates approximately half a million jobs—direct and indirect—across the 600,000 hectares planted in the country.

“Rice farmers in Tolima deserve a fair price for their production. Once again, we call on the National Government to help address this crisis with alternatives such as subsidies or financing for the rice farmers' debts,” said Representative Delcy Isaza.

According to producers, the government has left them at the mercy of large industries, which buy the harvest at low prices. They also stated that concerns about the purchase of smuggled rice had already been raised during negotiations with the Ministry of Agriculture .

Maria Alejandra Gonzalez Duarte