In light of the emergence of the TR4 strain in Asia, Africa and the Middle East recommendations have been made to take preventive measures in cultivations of the crop in Latin America.
From a statement from the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation:
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has urged countries to intensify supervision, information and prevention of one of the most destructive diseases for banana cultivation in the world, Fusarium wilt (or Fusariosis), which recently spread from Asia to Africa and the Middle East, and could potentially affect Latin America.
Businessmen and government are working on reversing the decline in banana exports which 10 years ago were worth doubled the amount they are today.
Implementing measures supported by the government, the sector wants to revive the production of bananas in light of the loss of 40% of crop areas and reduced exports.
Hector Castro, President of the National Association of Banana Producers (Aprobana) "said they are seeking government support so that they can be positioned among the top banana exporting countries, as they were in the 70s."
Improvements in production processes and regeneration of plantations have led to a significant increase in crop yields.
The Honduran fruit increased its export rates by 20.6% according to figures issued by the Central Bank of Honduras (BCH), with the United States being the main buyer of fruit.
"Banana exports earned 490.1 million dollars in foreign currency at the end of 2013, higher by 10.8 percent ($47.7 million) than December 2012, according to figures issued by the Central Bank of Honduras (BCH) . "
More global competition and less demand from Europe partly explain the stagnation of exports in the last three years.
Official data shows that in the last three years Costa Rican banana exports have stagnated, remaining at between 106 and 107 million boxes, each weighing 18.14 kilos. Businessmen from the sector claim that greater global competition and declining demand in Europe explain the stagnation.
Del Monte could withdraw its proposal to revive production in the area if the former employees and the government do not reach an agreement soon.
The American company Del Monte could withdraw its proposal to boost banana production in Baru if the former employees of Cooperativa de Servicios Múltiples de Puerto Armuelles (Coosemupar) and the Government do not soon reach an agreement to select Del Monte or Chiquita Brands for the activity.
Guatemalan bananas have recovered ground lost in recent years in the international market.
In 2013 banana sales abroad generated revenues of $623 million, up 25% compared to those reported in 2012, when $499 million was received for this item.
"The commercial record indicates that in the last 10 years, exports have registered an increase of 197%, going from $209.9 million in 2003 to $623 million last year."
The U.S. company has proposed paying $400 per hectare to producers and delivering 25 cents per box of fruit produced.
Del Monte's proposal is added to one already presented by Chiquita Brand for reviving banana crops in the area of the former Coosemupar.
Del Monte is trying to reach an agreement with the former banana workers of Baru to reactivate 1,765 hectares that the government gave them in that area.
In Costa Rica there has been an increase in the incidence Diaspis boisduvalii and Pseudococcus elisae mealybug in crops on the Atlantic slope.
From a press release by the State Phytosanitary Service (SFE):
The State Phytosanitary Service of the Ministry of Agriculture has declared a national emergency for the term of one year, due to increasing populations with the Diaspis boisduvalii and Pseudococcus elisae mealybug which are causing severe damage to banana crops. It is estimated that the impact has affected about 24 thousand hectares, according to data provided by CORBANA and the National Commission of Musaceae.
A new strain of Panama disease is affecting plantations in African countries, Central America's main competitors.
From a statement by the Foreign Trade Promoter of Costa Rica:
"Alarmed by the outbreak of a new strain of Panama disease in Africa, farmers in Nigeria and sector regulators are preparing to prevent and combat its possible affects on the production of plantains and bananas in the country.
During the period January-July 2012-2013 production increased from 1.2392 million to 1.3074 million boxes of bananas.
However, export revenues were down 13% from $2.2 million in the first eight months of 2012 to $1.9 million in the same period of 2013. The decrease is due to the decrease in the international prices of bananas, according to the Center for Export Processing (CETREX).
The transnational wants to make an agreement for production with the owners of the 1,765 smallholdings in Baru which resulted from the liquidation of Coosemupar.
The former banana workers in the area obtained the aforementioned number of titles to the land individually and are looking for a revival of production and employment sources.
Now Chiquita Brands is proposing an investment plan of $36 million to resume planting fruit in the area.
Grupo Coen is already working on a project in Chinandega to triple Nicaraguan banana production.
It will plant 1,500 hectares of banana in Chinandega and will use modern systems for irrigation, drainage and air transport.
The project is being promoted by Grupo Coen. Every week ten hectares of banana are planted and it is expected that later this year they will have 520 acres cultivated.
So far this year 22 million boxes of bananas have been exported and it is expected that this number will increase to 45 million by the end of 2013.
Considering that the U.S. market (the main destination for Honduran bananas) pays $13 per box, this volume represents about $286 million for large companies. Of that amount, approximately $110 million was paid to domestic producers, who sell each box for $5.
From 24 to 27 February 2014 the congress to be held in Costa Rica will bring together leading experts in the banana industry from around the world.
The 2014 edition will address the central theme: "Challenges in Banana Markets" and will include the participation of renowned national and international experts.
The event will be held in the Hotel WYNDHAM Convention Center San Jose Herradura.
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