Although cyclones and the effects of sigatoka have affected the Dominican Republic's banana production, the island's producers expect production levels to normalise in the coming months. When that happens, producers believe that geographical advantages will be favourable to their export interests.
"About 60% of the production was lost due to sigatoka and cyclones," said Diógenes Corporán, owner of a banana plantation located south of Santo Domingo. He explains that many of the producers were affected, but that production levels will normalise in March.
Corporán is one of 20 members of a producers association that grows enough fruit to fill almost six containers per week. The association controls around 200 hectares in the island. Although production remains low, the coming months will bring more fruit and then the country's advantages will come into play.
"Although productivity is not as high as in Ecuador, we have a geographical advantage," said Corporán. "Fewer shipments leave towards Europe, so export prices are more attractive." This gives optimism to the Dominican banana sector.
"There are now fewer problems with sigatoka", said Corporán. "Banana production is on the rise and I hope this trend continues."
For more information:
Diógenes Corporán
Finca Corporán
T:+1809 5454684