Bolivian Blockades Trigger Food Crisis, 350 Million Boliviano Loss

Cochabamba Blockades Cause 350 Million Boliviano Loss in Agriculture: Minister Urges Ombudsman's Intervention Cochabamba, Bolivia – Blockades in Cochabamba, Bolivia, have resulted in significant economic losses for the agricultural sector, according to Minister of Rural Development and Land, Yamil Flores Lazo. In an official statement, Lazo reported losses of Bs 350 million over eight days of protests. The blockades have severely disrupted the supply chain, leading to a 75% decrease in the shipment of baby chicks to farms. This, Lazo warns, will cause a shortage of chicken in approximately one month. "Each day of blockade is an economic loss," stated Lazo, highlighting the impact on producers' livelihoods and the nation's food security. He emphasized the strategic nature of the blockades, designed to cause hardship for the Bolivian people. The government has formally requested the Ombudsman, Pedro Callisaya, to address the situation. The minister expressed concern that the Ombudsman's office has only focused on those arrested during the protests, neglecting the broader impact on the population. The video footage shows the extent of the blockades and the resulting disruption to daily life. The scale of the problem, combined with the minister's urgent appeal, underscores the need for swift action to resolve the situation and mitigate the potential food crisis.