The head of the Ministry of Defense, Joseph Louis Gavidiaassured this Wednesday that the self-eradication of illegal coca leaf crops in the Vraem is “the most appropriate strategy”, despite the fact that 90% of these plantations have an illegal destination.
”Why do we believe that self-eradication is the most appropriate strategy? Personally, because I can eradicate mechanically or manually. If that man can only live by planting coca, he is going to plant it again. If I give him a bonus to stop planting coca, he stops planting while it lasts and then he will continue planting. But if I make that man change from coca crops to pineapple, cocoa, voluntarily, rest assured that he will do it. As long as planting pineapple and cocoa allows them to live with dignity,” said Gavidia, consulted from Vraem by Peru21.
The Minister of Defense made a tour this Wednesday through the Vraem, where he visited military bases and supervised civic actions of the Armed Forces. The self-eradication measure, promoted by Devida with the backing of the Government of Pedro Castillo, has already been harshly questioned by various specialists.
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However, the Government insists on it. Eradication actions are expected to begin in July in other parts of the country, but in the Vraem there will only be self-eradication.
”Towards that we have (to aim). We have to have a sustainable strategy,” said Gavidia.
At another time, the head of the Mindef assured that of the dome of the terrorist remnants Quispe Palomino, currently only alias José remains. “Definitely the number is very small (at the moment),” he said.
”The Vraem is not a problem, the Vraem is an opportunity. We are going to make the Vraem a pacified zone, with intense work from our Armed Forces, our National Police, and, later, a development zone,” Gavidia said at another time.
