Through implementation of precautionary measures, the Venezuelan Lands Institute (INTI) continues to move forward to achieve its goal to rescue 1.5 million hectares of agriculture lands in 2006.

INTI president Juan Carlos Loyo claimed that so far this year the agency has rescued 62 estates for a total of 534,000 hectares.

Therefore, INTI has completed 35.6 percent of the goal set for 2006, amidst President Hugo Chávez' attempts to put an end to large estates in Venezuela.

Loyo claimed that rescue of lands has taken place in two phases: first they determined idle plots of lands and second they paid on site visits to undertake, together with peasants, cooperatives, housewives, etc. the relevant subsequent takeover for production purposes.

Official figures show that Chávez Government last year rescued 1.1 million hectares, but only 26,871 hectares are now productive lands.