Panama has announced an $8.2 million agricultural support plan aimed at helping farmers and livestock producers cope with drought, water shortages and other climate-related challenges.

The initiative, led by Panama’s Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA), focuses on strengthening water security, protecting crops and livestock, and providing agricultural inputs to producers in areas facing difficult weather conditions.

A significant part of the program targets Panama’s so-called Dry Arc, including the provinces of Los Santos, Herrera, Coclé and parts of Veraguas, where prolonged dry conditions can put pressure on agricultural production.

Water and livestock support

The plan includes investments in water reservoirs, irrigation equipment, pumps and the rehabilitation of small dams and livestock watering facilities. These measures are intended to improve access to water for farms and reduce the impact of dry conditions on agricultural activity.

Around $2.4 million has been allocated for livestock-related assistance, including hay, silage and other forage supplies. According to MIDA, this support is expected to benefit approximately 3,106 producers.

Support for crops and farmers

The government also plans to distribute agricultural inputs such as fertilizers, seeds, bio-stimulants, crop-protection products and farming tools. The crop-support component is expected to assist about 1,345 producers and their families.

Equipment, machinery, nurseries and greenhouse-related support are also included as part of the wider effort to help small and medium-sized agricultural producers maintain production despite climate pressures.

Assistance in Bocas del Toro

The response also extends to Bocas del Toro, where agricultural areas have faced excessive rainfall rather than drought.

MIDA said assistance there is expected to reach around 1,050 producers and cover more than 2,400 hectares of crops, with agricultural inputs and equipment forming part of the support.

Broader climate resilience efforts

The $8.2 million initiative forms part of Panama’s broader efforts to make its agricultural sector more resilient to changing climate conditions.

The country’s agricultural climate strategy also emphasizes measures such as improved agroclimatic information, more resilient farming practices, better water management and the restoration of degraded agricultural land.

For farmers, the immediate focus remains practical: securing water, protecting livestock and crops, and ensuring that producers have access to the inputs and equipment needed to continue operating during periods of climatic stress.

MIDA has said implementation of the emergency agricultural response is already underway.