Only 13% of the 2024 budget allocation that was allocated to spending for the agricultural sector went to investment spending and 87% was allocated to current expenses.
In 2024, the country has allocated RD$18,041 million for agricultural spending and some RD$15,780 million went to current spending and only RD$2,260 million went to capital spending.
The 2024 budget increased 19% compared to 2023 when it was RD$15,106 million. However, of this increase, only 3% was allocated to capital expenditure, amounting to RD$108 million, stated Marcelo Reyes, president of the Dominican National Federation of Rice Producers (Fenarroz). “In this country, more is spent on current spending than on what is invested in the countryside, despite the fact that the allocation increases. How do we want this country to develop, for the country to grow agriculturally when the funds are being dedicated to payroll, administrative expenses? How much is reaching the field?” he expressed.
He explained that this problem is not only for this Government, but for everyone after former President Joaquín Balaguer, since investment in the countryside has been decreasing more and more,” he indicated. He highlighted that they demand that the agricultural sector be more competitive and that more public investment is urgently needed.
He recalled that the Ministry of Agriculture, like other entities, is there to serve and must manage resources better.
