Argentina: disappointing results for banana campaign Formosa

Tholen - The results of the banana campaign in the Argentine province Formosa are disappointing. While in a normal year a production of 1200 boxes per hectare was realised, in the present season the production was around 800 boxes per hectare. The potential production for the province lies around 4,5 mln. boxes, but at the end of the campaign of 2006, the total production is estimated at 1,2 mln. boxes.

The acreage of the province amounts 4500 hectare, of which the largest part is property of small and medium sized growers, about 600 in total. Grower prices varied from 1 dollar per box to 3,5 dollar per box and were at an average of 2,5 dollar per box. The provincial government purchased 100.000 boxes against comparable prices.

This week the imports of bananas from Paraguay have started. These bananas were reportedly sold in the market for 18 dollars per box, while there is no local production because of a lack of irrigation amongst growers. The Argentine growers close their season with large losses, and while the costs are at 1800 to 2000 dollar per hectare, many do not know how to pay for fertilizer and irrigation next year.