Moroccan Fertilizers to Boost Panama's Agricultural Sector
José Aníbal Rincón, the Deputy Minister of Agricultural Development, announced during a broadcast on Panamá en Directo that the first shipment of fertilizers donated by the Kingdom of Morocco is expected to arrive in May. This initiative is part of a three-year bilateral agreement aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity in Panama.
The cooperation stems from a memorandum of understanding signed in June 2025 between Morocco and the Republic of Panama. This agreement outlines the annual donation of one thousand tons of fertilizers from 2026 to 2028, a commitment that underscores the importance of international collaboration in agricultural development.
Rincón provided further details, noting that the initial shipment is currently in transit after departing on April 7, with an estimated arrival date of May 14. The fertilizers have been prepared based on formulas available from the African nation, following a thorough technical evaluation conducted by Panama.
Since the beginning of 2026, the Ministry, led by Roberto Linares, has actively communicated with its Moroccan counterpart to understand the specifications of the fertilizers. In January, a delegation from Panama visited production facilities in Morocco to assess the manufacturing processes, highlighting the proactive approach taken by Panama to ensure quality.
Morocco is recognized as one of the world's leading producers of phosphorus, one of the three essential components of fertilizers, alongside nitrogen and potassium. This fact supports the high quality of the inputs that are set to be shipped to Panama. Prior to dispatch, samples of the products were analyzed by the Plant Health Directorate of the Ministry of Agricultural Development, confirming that the fertilizers are suitable for use in the country.
Rincón emphasized that the donated fertilizers will be directed exclusively towards small producers, especially those involved in family farming programs and school gardens. The ministry has already compiled a list of beneficiaries who must meet specific requirements, such as being registered and active in the agricultural database.
Logistical arrangements for the distribution of the shipment, which consists of 40 containers, are already underway. Additionally, Rincón revealed that the government is considering the purchase of an additional 30,000 to 40,000 tons of fertilizers, which would be sold at cost price to benefit producers across different scales.
These efforts are being developed through discussions with various countries, including Morocco, Brazil, and nations in Asia, with the goal of ensuring that agricultural inputs are available at more accessible prices for the agricultural sector. Ultimately, this initiative aims to achieve food security in the country and contribute to reducing the cost of the basic food basket, thereby improving the quality of life for the rural population and bolstering the agricultural sector.
As reported by mida.gob.pa.
