Brasília

President Jair Bolsonaro defended on Thursday (19) breeding cattle on indigenous lands to reduce the price of meat in the country.

He said he intends to include regulation of commercial agriculture and livestock on indigenous lands in the proposed release of mining activity.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro attends a Christmas ceremony at Planalto Palace in Brasilia, Brazil December 19, 2019. REUTERS/Adriano Machado - REUTERS

The initial idea was that the proposal was sent to the Legislature in September, but was postponed until next year.

"The price of meat has gone up. We have to raise more cattle here, to lower the price of meat, and they can raise cattle," said the president at the entrance to the Alvorada Palace.

"The Indian will be able to do on his land what the farmer does on his own," he said. "If you want to take your land and rent it to someone to grow soy or corn, do so in compliance with our legislation," he added.

Translated by Kiratiana Freelon

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