Dozens of rice producers in the province of Los Ríos, Ecuador, began receiving overdue payments this week for their harvests that were purchased by a local mill acting on behalf of the National Government. The payments were facilitated by the provincial governor, Galo Lara, who personally handed out the first checks to the farmers during a gathering at the mill. This payment process comes as a fulfillment of a promise by President Noboa to support local agriculture and ensure that farmers are compensated in a timely manner.

Governor Galo Lara expressed his commitment to seeing the farmers paid, featuring in a video uploaded to social media where he announced the disbursement of checks. Farmers have expressed their gratitude for this financial assistance, highlighting the significance of timely payments to their livelihood and the agricultural sector in the region. One small producer noted the importance of the government's support, emphasizing a hope that such assistance would continue in the future to benefit other farmers as well.

The release of these payments not only aids individual farmers but also serves to bolster the agricultural economy in Los Ríos. With agriculture being a vital part of the region's economy, the government's proactive measures in settling these debts demonstrate a commitment to supporting local agricultural communities. This development signals a positive step towards rebuilding farmer trust in government operations and can potentially pave the way for future investments in the agricultural sector.