Santo Domingo.- In a landmark event for the agricultural sector, President Luis Abinader and Minister of Agriculture Limber Cruz inaugurated the 2025 Rice Harvest at the Dr. Yin Tieh Hsieh Experimental Station, also known as Bioarroz. This event marks a significant advancement in the country’s rice production and underscores its ongoing pursuit of food sovereignty.

In this initial phase, an estimated 8,096,222 quintals of rice will be harvested—an all-time record in the nation’s history. Furthermore, officials expect to surpass the current administration’s previous record of 14.7 million quintals. The current rice inventory in processing facilities stands at 6,778,353 quintals, representing an increase of 2,720,203 quintals compared to the previous year. Additionally, 118,595 quintals of certified seed are available, ensuring the availability of high-quality, locally produced rice for domestic consumption.

The Ministry of Agriculture has developed an innovative rice seed that is tolerant to most herbicides, which will allow for greater field mechanization and significantly reduce production costs. It is projected that herbicide expenses will decrease by more than 90% per tarea (a Dominican unit of land measurement). This breakthrough represents a historic milestone and positions the Dominican Republic as a leader in sustainable rice production.

During the ceremony, Minister Cruz emphasized President Abinader’s strong support for the agricultural sector as a whole, and for rice producers in particular, stating:

“Today is a historic day for the Dominican countryside. Thanks to President Abinader, we are laying the foundation for a more prosperous future for our farmers and our people.”

This initiative demonstrates that under the leadership of President Luis Abinader and Minister Limber Cruz, the Dominican countryside is in good hands—ensuring sustainable development and a higher quality of life for the nation’s agricultural producers.

Published Date: May 4, 2025