The successful project “Inclusion in the Productive Chain of Family Farming” (Prodicaf), financed by Itaipu Binacional, has benefited around 3,000 families in five departments in Paraguay since its implementation in mid-2022. Beneficiary farmers highlighted that this initiative succeeded in strengthening family farming and boosting the economy in a post-pandemic context.

The Prodicaf project is promoted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) and its implementation is under the auspices of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). The beneficiaries highlighted the positive results obtained since the start of the activities which started at the 2022/2023 harvest season, with the aim of encouraging entrepreneurship in agricultural production and increasing the income of poor families.

Brunilda Chávez, a producer from the Domingo Martínez de Irala district in Alto Paraná, achieved a production of 4,000 kilos of corn thanks to the habilitation and mechanized cultivation of her land carried out through the project. Meanwhile, José Domingo Rojas from Minga Guazú is producing 3,800 kilos of corn for family consumption and to feed his livestock.

Lucio Ríos, in Chino Cué, Itakyry district, achieved a yield of 4,000 kilos of corn thanks to qualifying plots for cultivation and incorporation of agricultural lime. Juan Sosa, from the Hugua Guazú neighborhood of San Pedro, obtains 3,800 kilos of corn to feed his livestock.

At the project closing meeting, the MAG minister, Moisés Bertoni, highlighted the effective use of Itaipu’s financing, which amounted to USD 4,800,000 for soil preparation and mechanized farming on 3,000 hectares of land distributed in Alto Paraná, Caaguazú , Amambay, Concepcion and San Pedro .

Families participating in the project receive support for qualifying productive plots, mechanized crop cultivation and assistance in improving soils and increasing productivity through high-quality inputs. In addition, agricultural tools are provided to promote competitive production and training is provided in comprehensive management of pests, diseases and good agricultural practices.

Visit of the British Trade Commissioner

Jonathan Knott, UK Trade Commissioner for Latin America and the Caribbean, recently visited the Itaipu Binacional facility with the aim of exploring UK investment opportunities in Paraguay.

Accompanied by the British ambassador to the country, Ramin Navai, the diplomat was received by the director of finance, Fabián Domínguez, representing general director of the Entity of Paraguay, Manuel María Cáceres, and by José Bogarín, executive director of Itaipu Technological Park– Paraguay ( PTI-PY).

The visit discussed the possibility of investing in technology, particularly in the field of green hydrogen, as well as in telecommunication companies, fiber optics, internet, data centers, and other technology-related matters. The energy use and transformation management model promoted by the Itaipu Technology Park in various projects was presented.

Director Domínguez provides details on Itaipu’s operations and how the cooperation with the National Government will be carried out with respect to investment initiatives that may emerge in the future.