BOGOTA, Oct 13 (Reuters) - Colombia’s leftist government will spend $4.25 billion to buy some 1.5 million hectares (3.7 million acres) of land for poor farmers or displaced people, as part of a bid to increase agricultural output and boost peace efforts, an official said.
The conflict, which has involved rebels groups, the government, paramilitary organizations and crime gangs, originally began as a fight for land rights.
“With the commercial cost of the land, about 18 trillion pesos has been budgeted over four years,” he said, adding that some 100,000 hectares have already been given away and that the purchasing process is set to accelerate.
Petro had originally said his government would buy 3 million hectares, but the official goal is now half that.
The new owners of the land, located all around Colombia’s diverse terrain, will be encouraged to grow rice, corn, fruit and other crops, Vega said, and the government plans to ensure them access to other services.
Purchasing efforts can be slow, Vega added, as the government works to ensure the properties do not have displaced claimants who were forced to leave by armed groups.
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