On Tuesday, onion producers from San José de Ocoa requested President Danilo Medina not to allow the import of onions as it would affect the harvest, which begins this month and runs until August, during which they hope to collect 198,000 quintals.
They argue that, additionally, they are starting a new planting and that they will be harvesting some 125,000 quintals since August, which would guarantee the supply of the domestic market for the next six months.
The president of Asoprohorma, César Méndez, expressed the producer's concern. He argued that, since the cost of production was very high, if they couldn't sell their product at a stable price of 2,500 to 3,000 pesos they wouldn't be able to comply with their obligations with the Agricultural Bank and other lending institutions. Producers said importing onions would reduce sale prices and decrease their sales, leading to too much of their product rotting in the stores.
Mendez cited the difficulties that the farmers had when harvesting and selling onions, including the poor condition of the roads and trails in the area as well as a lack of financial support.
Fuete: listin.com.do