Rambutan producers can say that the mid-year rains were a blessing.
The harvest forecast for 2016-2017 is more than positive, as producers expect a 40% increase in the production of this exotic fruit, which is mainly grown on the Atlantic Coast of Honduras.
Manuel Alfaro, a producer, said he thought rambutan was one of the few crops that had benefited from climate change.
“We started having rain up until May 20, but now as the harvest approaches we are expecting good results," he added.
Alfaro said he expected rambutan production could increase by 40% in Guatemala's Pacific area and in Mexico, two markets that compete with Honduras.
Juan Carlos Paguada, head of the Fruit and Vegetable Division of the Senasa, said they were working hard with the Honduras' rambutan exporting industry.
This process involves strengthening the technical capacities of farmers and exporters and improving their knowledge of national legislation regarding good agricultural practices and manufacturing, as well as international regulations. “We do this to maintain our product and to continue opening new markets," said Paguada.
So far the country has eight exporters of this fruit.
Source: laprensa.hn