Honduras expects to increase the revenues of melon exports by finding new markets, especially in Asia.
This week, companies and independent producers began the first harvest of the 2014-2015 crop year, according to data provided by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (SAG).
Shipments of this crop, one of the most important crops in the country in economic and social terms, are now being sent to 36 countries around the world thanks to their lack of phytosanitary problems.
According to the head of Agriculture, Jacobo Paz, the goal is to make more revenue than in the previous market.
"The industry is looking for new markets and they are in negotiations with the Japanese Government," said the official.
The Honduran melon industry closed the 2013/2014 season with record exports that amounted to nearly $62.5 million dollars, i.e. $6.6 million dollars, or 1.7 percent more than the $55.9 million dollars achieved in the 2012-2013 season.
The increase in revenue was due to the higher volume in sales in the international market and a slight increase in price. Exports increased from 257,750,815 to 276,919,921 kilograms in the 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 seasons, i.e. 19,169,106 kilos more.
According to the executives of the companies that cultivate melon in Choluteca and Valle, export volumes increased because there was an increase in the cultivated area and better yields per acre, as a result of the prevailing weather conditions in the southern region. Honduras exports an average of 16,000 containers per year.
Source: latribuna.hn