Colanta Contributions to Food Security and COVID-19 Prevention in Rural Areas

Colanta contributed to this effort, continuing its operations to support the food supply in the country and implementing necessary protocols for safe activity development. Colanta's activities contributed to the Alliance Bitter Cassava for a Sweet Milk, enabling the continuation of licit economies in the country. In March, the Association of Agricultural Producers of Rodania in Sahagún, Córdoba, received training in chopping and drying cassava. The producers were equipped with a drying kit, including a chopping machine, carts, scales, plastics, shovels, and harvest tools, for processing 62 tons of fresh cassava. The chopping and drying processes transform fresh cassava into a more stable product, facilitating transportation and storage, and increasing its value. This gives producers greater negotiating power during commercialization. Colanta's Environmental Management Department developed the Planeta Verde radio program, which broadcasts environmental care practices for agricultural activities. The program is broadcast every Monday at 8:30 a.m. on Radio Más, covering six municipalities in the north of Antioquia: Santa Rosa de Osos, Entrerríos, Donmatías, Carolina del Príncipe, San José de la Montaña, and Yarumal. The program aims to promote environmental care in agricultural activities. Colanta contributed to the preparation of a guide for preventing COVID-19 in rural areas, which will be distributed in 18 countries. This guide is part of the initiative to develop biosafety guidelines for preventing COVID-19 contagion in agricultural production. The guide is intended to support rural communities in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and maintaining safe agricultural practices. The Alliance Bitter Cassava for a Sweet Milk, supported by Colanta's activities, has enabled the continuation of licit economies in the country. The training in chopping and drying cassava, as well as the Planeta Verde radio program, demonstrate Colanta's commitment to supporting rural communities and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The guide for preventing COVID-19 in rural areas will provide critical support to these communities in maintaining safe agricultural practices during the pandemic.