The Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA) and the Agricultural Marketing Institute (IMA) reached an agreement with millers to provide the population with access to top-quality rice at affordable prices.
It was agreed that the proposal from the National Association of Millers of Panama (ANALMO) will be awaited on the availability of first-class rice to be delivered to the IMA by September 25, 2024. If the total required quantity cannot be covered, the rest will be imported.
It is important to note that this rice is necessary to maintain permanent inventories and so that the expansion plan for fixed stores from Monday to Saturday can become a reality and the endless queues can be eliminated.
MIDA Minister Roberto Linares thanked ANALMO for the support they have given to the IMA and Panamanian consumers, since for this Government and the ministry it represents, national production comes first.
For her part, Fátima De la Guardia, representing the IMA, explained that the Institute was running out of rice for the agricultural fairs, so it was necessary to supply its warehouses to meet the existing demand, so an initial call was made to the industry and national producers, being them the first option to provide 60 thousand quintals of the product.
Ivana Quintero, representing ANALMO, highlighted that part of the commitment of this association is to supply quality rice to the entire country and assured that they will support the IMA with the 60 thousand quintals it requires to fulfill its management.
The meeting was attended by Nuncio Girlando, from Agrosilos SA; Gabriel Araúz, from the Chiriquí Rice Producers Association; Bernardo Fiol, from ACOVIPA; Alam Castillo, from the Consumers Association; and representatives from ANALMO, among others.
