Dominican Republic launches RD$200 million agricultural mechanization program

The Dominican Republic government has launched the National Mechanization Program (PRONAMEC) with an investment exceeding RD$200 million. President Luis Abinader introduced the initiative in San Juan, stating that the program is a matter of “special importance for national security” as it aims to reduce the country's dependence on foreign labor.

The program seeks to modernize the agricultural sector by integrating technology and machinery into all production phases, from land preparation and sowing to harvesting and post-harvesting. Agriculture Minister Francisco Oliverio Espaillat Bencosme noted that mechanization could cover approximately 90% of processes for crops such as rice, corn, sorghum, and beans, and over 60% for more complex crops like plantains and bananas.

Implementation will begin with demonstration plots in regions including San Juan, Valverde, La Vega, Constanza, and Arenoso. To support this transition, the Ministry of Agriculture will collaborate with the National Institute of Technical Professional Training (INFOTEP) to train operators and mechanics, while also introducing new financing models for producers.