Producers of the Tembiaporã Banana Association, the Banana Association of San Pedro, the Paraguayan Banana and Pineapple Chamber, cooperatives and independent growers have assured to be suffering "serious problems in the fruit's marketing."
They explained that the production from about 8,000 hectares of banana plantations (about 9.6 million boxes of fruit) and 2,000 hectares of pineapple (3 million boxes) is at stake.
In the case of bananas, they noted that the limited amount exported to Argentina arrives at its destination in bad condition, because trucks, in the best case scenario, have to wait for two days at the border because of excessive bureaucracy.
Some producers even suggested for bananas to be supplied to local schools as part of a nutritional supplement, but that request was denied.
"Some people are unable to sell their products for four months. We are really desperate," they said.
Regarding pineapples, they pointed out that the peak period is November and December, and if exports fail, the losses for thousands of families will be huge.
They added that in previous years they were able to access the Argentinian market, but this has not been possible for some time, because they are unable to obtain the necessary license.
They asked the Directorate of Marketing of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) why it is not doing its job. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was also addressed to find out why nothing is being done to eliminate the barriers that apply to exports.
They added that while Argentina is able to export 160 varieties of products to Paraguay without any difficulties, Paraguay is unable to do likewise with just two products.
"We urge the MAG, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Senave to do their job or leave. If this situation is not resolved, we will organise protests, close routes and demand the authorities to resign," threatened the producers.
Source: abc.com.py
