The director of Rural Development of Victoria, Juan Rafael Trevino Higuera, said the approximately three thousand hectares of citrus production in the municipality wasn't at risk of damage due to low temperatures because this perennial crop can withstand temperatures of up to three degrees below zero.
He said that, unlike corn, beans, and sorghum crops the production of Valencia orange, Italian lime, and grapefruit were more resistant to low temperatures.
He said Victoria's citrus sector was starting the year with good yields, as they expect the late season will be harvested in February with a starting price of 1,200 pesos per ton, that could amount to 1,700 pesos or more.
"There have been years in which prices began at 200 pesos per ton, we believe there will be good rainfall this year and that will increase the price of oranges," he predicted.
He noted that citrus growers could retain their oranges for a time, which would help increase prices and would allow the orange to ripen more, so they have more sugars and a higher quality.
He also stated that the yields of the citrus area of the municipality ranged between 15 and 20 tons per hectare, depending on how the orchards were treated.
"Most of the citrus area has irrigation, we haven't had a lack of rains as the seasonal rains have been sufficient. The citrus fruits are resistant to low temperatures and nearly 260 producers receive fertilizer for citrus, as support from the Government," he said.
Source: 2000agro.com.mx