Leveraging Orinoquia's Potential: A Roadmap for Colombia's Agricultural Revolution

Colombia is on the verge of an agricultural revolution. Currently, around 46% of this region is dedicated to livestock farming. However, its potential to be a beacon of food production is just starting to be recognized. The 'Orinoquia Mission' plan is ready to transform Orinoquia into the nation's food pantry.

Orinoquia - a fertile and prosperous land - is positioned to lead agricultural productivity and environmental protection. The region, spanning the departments of Arauca, Casanare, Meta, and Vichada, occupies 22% of the national territory. Despite its size, in 2022 alone, Orinoquia generated 4 million tons of food – ample to sustain Bogotá for over a year.

The Orinoquia Mission is a holistic strategy developed by a group of entrepreneurs, collectively known as the Business Association for the Development of Orinoquia (Asorinoquia) and the government. This plan revolves around twelve strategic pillars, such as boosting the rural economy, ensuring social welfare, increasing agricultural productivity, promoting sustainable livestock farming, fostering ecotourism, and focusing on energy transition.

Asorinoquia aims to create a self-sustaining Orinoquia that balances social inclusivity and economic prosperity. With the Orinoquia Mission, they're striving for food sovereignty and working towards preserving the ecosystem and elevating Colombians' quality of life.

The region's agricultural prowess is remarkable, producing various crops like palm oil, rice, corn, soy, bananas, coffee, and more. The livestock sector has also flourished over the decades, with a potential shift towards more sustainable and regenerative practices.

Moreover, Orinoquia's unique biodiversity lends itself well to ecotourism. To fully capitalize on this potential, though, improvements in road and hotel infrastructure and health services are required.

In alignment with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and the government's agricultural policy, the Orinoquia Mission seeks to continue and expand projects, attract investments, and maintain a significant role in the country's social and economic development. This initiative also corresponds with the vision in Colombia's National Development Plan to make Colombia a global hub of diversified and clean productive activities, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable tourism.

Asorinoquia comprises 19 distinct companies and private organizations. Its main goal is to promote equitable and sustainable development in the area. The group focuses on improving infrastructure, nurturing the environment, and promoting social welfare, embodying the spirit of the Orinoquia Mission.

In summary, the transformation of Orinoquia is a testament to Colombia's potential for achieving food sovereignty and economic freedom while prioritizing sustainable development. The Orinoquia Mission holds the key to unlocking this bright future.

Source: ElTempo