The Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation announced on Apr. 17 that Peru’s agricultural sector grew by 2.4 percent during the first two months of the year compared to the same period last year, driven by increases in both crop and livestock production.
This growth is important as it reflects ongoing efforts to promote food security and support rural communities across the country, according to the Ministry’s official website.
In the crop subsector, notable increases included oil palm production rising by nearly 50 percent due to favorable weather in Ucayali, Huánuco, and Loreto; blueberry output up over 21 percent with expanded cultivation in La Libertad, Lambayeque, and Ancash; avocado production growing more than 14 percent in Lima, Pasco, and Cajamarca; and paddy rice up almost 12 percent with greater harvested area in Piura, Tumbes, and San Martín. Other products such as yellow corn (up over 13 percent), cassava (over 10 percent), sugarcane (nearly eight percent), and potatoes (almost six percent) also saw gains.
Livestock output increased by 1.8 percent during this period. The ministry reported higher chicken production—up two percent mainly due to more broiler chicks placed for meat in Lima, La Libertad, and Arequipa—as well as increases in raw cow milk (+2.3%), pork (+3.8%), and beef (+1.8%) across various regions.
For February alone, agricultural sector growth was measured at 0.7%. Crops such as artichoke rose sharply by over double compared to a year earlier while other key crops like oil palm (+48%), blueberries (+27%), avocados (+15%), yellow corn (+14%), sugarcane for sugar (+13%), cocoa (+11%) and cassava (+9%) also contributed positively.
According to the official website, the ministry advances strategies for sustainable agriculture through legislative initiatives supporting rural inclusion nationwide from its central headquarters in Jesús María along with decentralized offices throughout Peru’s regions.
The ministry said that higher agricultural yields early this year were supported by heavy seasonal rains which helped fill reservoirs vital for crop development. It added that so far a moderate El Niño phenomenon has not significantly affected food supply chains or market availability.
