Farmers in Nicaragua get U.S. aid: Small farmers in Nicaragua are expected to double or triple their corn and bean production under a new program designed to help the rural poor. The program provides the small farmer with reasonable loans at 13 percent interest, technical assistance in the form of improved seed, fertilizer, insecticide, agricultural training and marketing facilities, as well as practical agricultural advice. Known as "INVIERNO," the program is funded by a $22.6 million contribution from the Nicaraguan Government and a $14 million loan from the U.S. Agency for International Development. More than 2,800 campesino who expect to increase their crop production are participating in the initial pilot project in the provinces of Matagalpa, Jinotega, and Esteli in the rugged mountains of the country's central interior. Eventually, the program is expected to benefit about 400,000 rural poor. The average cash income for small farmers in Nicaragua is less than $120 a year. INVIERNO has established five Rural Assistance Centers in the central interior to serve the farmers. Each center serves communities within a nine-mile radius and has a staff of 22 agricultural specialists and assistants to help the campesino. (Photo by John Metelsky)