According to the mayor Palos Blancos, Beimer Mamani Montero, 60% to 70% of the papaya crops in the municipalities of South Yungas, Palos Blancos, Tipuani, Teoponte, and Alto Beni are being affected by a plague.
Papaya is one of the most cultivated products throughout this area because of its profitability and productivity, "we supply the markets of La Paz, Cochabamba, Oruro, and even Cobija," the Mayor said.
This plague has affected a large number of hectares, not only in Palos Blancos but also in Alto Beni and part of Teoponte, Mamani said.
"The plague begins to dry the plants before the fruit grows. We still don't know what kind of pest we are dealing with. Last week National Service officials came to take samples, but they haven't shared their results with us", he said.
In addition to papaya, Palos Blancos also produces citrus fruits, which, just like the papaya crops, are also being affected by an unknown plague and have been inspected by Senasag officials.
According to official data, the municipality of Palos Blancos has 24,731 inhabitants. It mainly produces cocoa, tropical fruits, and citrus.
Teoponte, which has also been affected by the plague, is a town located in the Amazon region that has 9,349 inhabitants and that mainly produces chestnut, cocoa, and papaya, among other tropical fruits.
Source: El Diario