Honduras releases bean reserves to stabilize food prices

The Honduran government has announced the release of 120,000 quintals of beans from strategic reserves to stabilize market prices and mitigate the impact of drought on the basic food basket. The beans will be sold at 18 lempiras per pound through Banasupro, with a limit of 25 pounds per person to prevent speculation and ensure direct access for consumers.

While the government expects a new national harvest to arrive in approximately 20 days, agricultural producers have expressed concerns regarding long-term food security. Producers noted that immediate national production is estimated at only 60,000 quintals, which is insufficient to meet domestic demand and necessitates continued imports.

Sector leaders are also calling for better management of strategic reserves, specifically requesting the regular rotation of stored grain to prevent spoilage. They emphasize that addressing the underlying vulnerabilities caused by drought will require permanent support policies, including improved irrigation infrastructure and better access to credit.