Paraguay seeks to export garlic and onions to Brazil

120 families that were selected from the departments of San Pedro and Canindeyu are going to be trained so that they can improve their income by exporting onions, beans, and garlic. The training will be carried out as part of the technical assistance program funded by the Livestock Fund with the consultancy of the Getulio Vargas Foundation. Martin Maciel, president of the Livestock Fund, stated during the signing of an agreement between both institutions that the program would require an investment of 2,700 million Guaranies.

The program will benefit the Maracana, Agüerito, and Aleman Cue settlements. Initially 120 families will benefit from the program but the goal is to reach 10,000 families by 2019.

"The Livestock Fund will be the arm that executes the financing of this agricultural family development program, through its lines of credit and technical assistance to its customers so the project can be carried out taking into account the area's needs, and its natural and human resources," said Maciel.

In turn, the Getulio Vargas Foundation will be responsible for the technical and scientific guidance for the development of investment projects and technical assistance to producers.

"These training programs will allow a sustained production of milk, sesame, beans, garlic, onion and corn, so the farmers can take advantage of the land they have and working throughout the year," said Cleber Guarani, coordinator of the Peasant Agriculture Development project at the Getulio Vargas Foundation.

Local market
The coordinator of the program coordinator also stated that the program's fundamental premise was for farmers to produce quality products. "Our goal is for farmers to consolidate themselves in the local market, but we are confident that they will be exporting their products very soon," said Guarani.

He added that one of the main markets being studied was the Brazilian market, as the neighbouring country had shown interest in products such as onions, beans and garlic.

"We will be working closely in the marketing of the products, both locally and abroad," said Guarani.

Source: lanacion.com.py