Colombia’s cultivated area expanded by 2.7% in 2023 compared to the previous year, with food crops increasing by 3.1%, according to the Municipal Agricultural Evaluations (EVA) led by Colombia’s Rural Agricultural Planning Unit (UPRA). The growth in cultivated areas is seen as a significant factor in bolstering the country’s food security.

The most notable contributions to this growth came from yuca (cassava or tapioca), potatoes, and corn, which saw increases of 10.5%, 4.3%, and 4.2%, respectively. In terms of overall production, the country experienced a 2.4% increase, with specific gains in crops like rice (4%), corn (6.5%), bananas (4.4%), sugarcane (3.4%), and soybeans (14.1%).

Claudia Cortés, director of UPRA, noted that the growth in cultivated areas reflects the collaborative efforts between the government and farmers to ensure a steady food supply. She also emphasized the resilience of the agricultural sector, highlighted by the increase in key crop production.

The EVA analysis also identified a 13% intensity level of cultivated areas within the national agricultural frontier, with regions such as Quindío and Risaralda in the Coffee Axis showing the highest levels of intensity at 73% and 54%, respectively. Valle del Cauca followed with 48%.

The EVA project continues to play a crucial role in collecting data on agricultural activities across Colombia, covering 211 crops and 7 livestock species, which aids in planning and decision-making in the agricultural sector.