The Ministry of Production (PRODUCE) announced on March 16 the launch of an Extraordinary Credit Program with annual interest rates of 0% and 1%, aimed at formalized aquaculture producers in districts declared under a state of emergency due to heavy rains and flooding. The program, managed through the National Fisheries Development Fund (FONDEPES), was introduced during an event in Chucuito, Puno region.
This initiative is intended to support the recovery of aquaculture activities impacted by adverse weather events. Minister of Production César Quispe Luján said that the program will help reactivate economic activity and ensure food security. “The characteristic of these credits is that they are zero interest, have a grace period up to 15 months, and with this what we seek is to reactivate the economy. We know that agriculture is very important in this region because it is an industry that generates employment, and not only that, but also contributes to the country’s food security,” Quispe Luján said.
According to PRODUCE, a 0% interest rate applies to aquaculturists who have previously received FONDEPES loans and met their payment deadlines. New users can access a preferential annual rate of 1%. The repayment term extends up to 15 months with a grace period for the first ten months before payments begin. The program runs until May 31, 2026, financing species such as trout, tilapia, paco, gamitana, and shrimp.
The financing targets formalized aquaculturists categorized as Limited Resource Aquaculture (AREL) or Micro and Small Business Aquaculture (AMYPE). AREL producers may receive up to S/44,000 (8 tax units), while AMYPE applicants can request up to S/192,500 (35 tax units). A total fund of S/1.5 million has been allocated for this purpose.
Loans will not be disbursed in cash but will finance purchases such as eggs and fry stock, balanced feed for various growth stages, equipment and materials for fish farms, as well as repairs or construction related to aquaculture infrastructure. For shrimp farming specifically, funding covers cultivation equipment purchases and maintenance services.
During the launch event in Puno province, Minister Quispe Luján symbolically delivered over S/377,360 in supervised loans to aquaculturists from Chucuito, Puno, and Azángaro provinces. This financing—at a 3% annual interest rate—will allow for the purchase of more than 63 metric tons of trout feed needed for local production.
Puno remains the main beneficiary region for FONDEPES financing; in 2025 alone more than S/4 million was distributed there for aquaculture credits supporting over 600 metric tons of trout meat production.
