Fernando Duran, general manager of Banco Agrícola or Bagrícola, defended his management firmly at the head of the entity. He emphasized that the bank does not give money, but rather lends from what it recovers annually to finance agricultural projects that sustain food security in the Dominican Republic.
Record recovery and historic liquidity
During a press conference at the Bagrícola headquarters, Duran revealed that in his five years of administration, the institution recovers annually more than RD$24,680 million. This figure represents almost a 50% increase over the average of the previous five years, which has elevated the availability of resources to unprecedented levels.
In December alone, Bagrícola disbursed RD$4,175 million in financing, a clear indicator of its operational strength. The official projects that the bank will close the year with the best liquidity in its history, allowing for a constant flow of credit to the countryside.
Challenges climaticos and debt management in Bagrícola
Impact of adverse events and restructuring
Duran acknowledged that debt requires careful attention, influenced by storms and hurricanes that have hit Dominican agriculture in recent years. In response, Bagrícola has implemented restructuring and permanent refinancing of loans to support affected producers.
The historical context supports these measures: according to data from the Central Bank, the Dominican agricultural sector has faced losses of over RD$50 billion in climate-related disasters since 2020, justifying the recovers annually and debt readjustment strategies in Bagrícola.
- Recovers annually more than RD$24 million, a 50% increase over the previous period.
- December financing exceeds RD$4 billion.
- Historic liquidity ensures continuity in agricultural loans.
Fortaleza in food security
Despite the challenges, Bagrícola’s commitment has strengthened national production. Experts from the Ministry of Agriculture highlight that these policies have avoided interruptions in the supply of basic foodstuffs, such as rice and bananas, key to rural economies.
Duran emphasized that the bank lends from what it recovers annually, a sustainable model that prioritizes project viability. This approach not only mitigates risks but also drives sector growth, with a portfolio that has grown 30% in recent years according to internal reports.
Ultimately, Duran’s management in Bagrícola demonstrates that recovers annually sufficient resources to support Dominican agriculture, guaranteeing food security in the face of adversity.
