The export of bananas is one of the top economic activities in Piura. There are 5,500 hectares of bananas grown in the region. In 2012 75,000 tons of the fruit were exported bringing in over $74 million. The main destinations are United States, Europe and Japan.
What´s worrying is that if the chemical residue is officially confirmed, the bananas will no longer be considered organic by the international market, which is what the fruits are famous for. Some 6,500 producers will be affected by the change in status.
The type of insecticide has not yet been confirmed, but Peruvian grower associations assume it could be related to an epidemic being called the ? plague of the red spot? a sickness that although it only affects the appearance of the bananas, and not the health of the consumer, does not allow them to export the product. The insecticide could be the farmer’s irresponsible management of the situation.
Director of Agricultural Competitiveness in the Region of Piura, Axel Herrera, points out that they have already lost 30% of their productivity due to the plague and producers’ concern is justified. He also mentions to El Comercio that the plague is an unexpected outcome of climate change.
However, he realizes most producers do not do sufficient research before utilizing insecticides to combat the problem and information about the causes and solutions for the plague could significantly assist the area.
Source:-www.freshplaza.com
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