The Venezuelan government has taken around 500,000 hectares of land from farmers this year.

The government says much of the land was being underused.

The socialist government of President Hugo Chávez wants more control on food production. The land will be given to agricultural cooperations.

Since land reform was introduced 8 years ago, 1500 farms have been compulsorily purchased says Agricultural Minister Elias Jaua.

Venezuela’s harvests have been badly affected by a severe drought. Water and electricity has been rationed as a result.

President Chávez has nationalised much of Venezuela’s industry including the oil industry, energy and telecom companies as part of his “21st Century” socialist project.

Photo: President Hugo Chávez - ANP