Venezuela agriculture faces maize crop losses and livestock initiatives

Venezuela is facing significant agricultural challenges due to extreme weather and efforts to modernize livestock management. The Confederación Agropecuaria Nacional (Confeagro) reports an estimated 70% loss in traditional maize crops caused by prolonged droughts and high temperatures.

In response, Confeagro has launched the ‘Vamos con Sorgo’ plan in the states of Guárico, Portuguesa, and Anzoátegui. The initiative promotes the cultivation of sorghum, a seed variety resistant to thermal and water stress, with an ultimate goal of reaching 180,000 hectares of sorghum. Currently, 2,500 hectares have been planted across the three central and eastern states.

Simultaneously, in Guárico, authorities are launching a Bovine Livestock Characterization Plan to inspect approximately 1,800,000 head of cattle. Governor Donald Donaire stated the initiative aims to determine real productive capacity and assist in certifying Venezuela as a territory free of foot-and-mouth disease, which would facilitate access to international meat and milk markets.