The fungus has propagated in more than 70% of plantations, similar to the level seen in 2012, when the outbreak of coffee rust first emerged in the region.
Of the 14 departments 13 have already reported infestation on coffee farms especially in medium and large sized shrubs. In the case of the departments of Santa Ana, Ahuachapán, La Libertad and Cabañas approximately 80% of farms have already been infected, while in Chalatenango, San Vicente, Morazán and San Miguel about 65% are affected.
The unification of all entities involved in coffee trading could provide a way out of the financial crisis facing the sector.
In El Salvador internal division in the sector is evident. Currently there are 4 institutions dedicate to coffee: the Centa, Procafé, the Salvadoran Coffee Council and the Coffee Association. Union representatives say that there should be one institution in order to more effectively address financial and technical problems.
The sugar sector exceeded its production goals for the 2012/13 season, closing with 16.8 million quintals of sugar, 12% more than in the previous harvest.
"The sector is counting on productivity, for which the mills with cane growers have invested in new technologies and farming methods in order to increase efficiency and productivity," said Mario Salaverria, president of the Sugar Association (AESA ).
The Government of El Salvador will not buy hybrid corn seed, which offers high performance and resistance to pathogens and bad weather.
"The resolution, transitory, is seen by many agricultural suppliers as a block on the free market and even violating trade agreements such as the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States or regulations dictated by the World Trade Organization (OIC)", reported Elsalvador.com.
Salvadoran authorities intend to promote the use of bio-fertilizers for the agricultural cycle 2013-2014, which are up to 90% cheaper than traditional chemicals.
According to the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Hugo Flores, at the request of organizations for producers of basic grains, the office of the Ministry of Agriculture (MAG) is studying the use of biofertilizers for delivery this year, when the delivery of corm packages will start.
A government decree will limit the purchase of foreign certified seeds of maize and beans, prioritizing Salvadoran producers.
The first article of decree number 198 (which has already been sent to Legislature) states, "certified maize and bean seeds may only be purchased if they are from Salvadoran producers and meet the technical specifications."
"This will apply to the delivery of seed and fertilizer packages that the government subsidizes for farmers every harvest. The decree, in the same article," institutionalizes the Presidential Agricultural Packet Delivery ", which will be under the leadership of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG), as it has been for the past seven years," reports Lourdes Quintanilla on Laprensagrafica.com.
With favorable weather conditions, the crop may amount to one million quintals, 300 thousand more than in 2011, which would generate $15 million.
If the weather is favorable this year, El Salvador could reap a million quintals of rice, an increase of 300,000 bushels compared to the previous year, generating income of $15 million and creating 272,000 direct and indirect jobs, said Max Granillo , president of the Association of Irrigation of the Drainage and Irrigation District (Areza).
The Salvadoran government will promote organic production of grain in order to improve the quality of life of farmers.
Guillermo Lopez, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, MAG, stressed that their commitment as a government is to "produce organically . It is families who work in the fields and we do not want children to work with poisons, but biological products that are made integrally . "
The Ministry of Agriculture has allocated $5 million for the renovation of irrigation infrastructure for 2012.
The Minister of the department, Guillermo Lopez, announcement the investment, the largest in the $107 million project portfolio planned for the year by the entity.
On 22 December the Ministry, along with the National Administration of Aqueducts and Sewers, inaugurated renovation works in District 3 Lempa - Acahuapa , one of the largest irrigated areas in the country, benefiting 115 families who tend their crops over 500 acres.
The new certificate price of $6.45 for every 10 tons has generated protests in the export sector in El Salvador.
Prior to a decree of January the certificate had a cost of $6.45 for shipping up to 10 tons and $12.9 was the maximum price that was paid for exports with higher tonnage.
Despite complaints by representatives from the export sector, the Ministry of Agriculture has not reviewed the application of the decree.
The Ministry of Agriculture will provide $11 million to compensate for losses caused by the excessive rains.
Hugo Flores, deputy minister, explained that the money will go towards replanting, renovating at-risk areas, and supporting the aquaculture sector, among other schemes.
The measure seeks to prevent a shortage of basic grains in 2012, and will be complemented by the duty-free import of 50,000 tons of white maize and 25,000 of red beans.
Decrees awaiting approval by Congress would authorize the government and private buyers to purchase corn and beans duty free.
Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Guillermo Lopez, asked Congress to act promptly in passing ordinances that will allow the duty-free purchase by the government of up to $5 million worth of white corn and red or black beans, and by individuals of up to 50 thousand tons of corn and 25 thousand metric tons of red or black beans.
In order to ensure domestic supply and prevent price hikes, the government has announced it will import beans and corn.
Guillermo López Suárez, minister of agriculture and livestock indicated that importing beans "is necessary" to prevent shortages. The beans will be bought from China, South Africa and Ethiopia and the maize will be imported from Mexico and South America.
$12.5 million has been earmarked for rural and environmental development plans.
Following in the footsteps of initiatives implemented in Costa Rica, where resources have been allocated for reforestation and other environmental programs, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, in conjunction with the Ministry of Agriculture, will invest $12.5 million in similar programs in El Salvador.
Despite forecasts by the Ministry of Agriculture, the union has warned that the harvest scheduled for later this year will be insufficient.
Oscar Albanez, president of the Agricultural Suppliers Association (APA), told the press that "the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) has said that bean production will amount to 2.6 million quintals and our forecast is around 1.9 million."