The potato production's problems multiplied this season. The delay in seed imports was decisive. The sowing cycle began later than usual and 50% of the crop was lost at the start of the rainy season.
In Carabobo alone, producers expected to obtain 5,250,000 kilos in 350 hectares. However, they had to take their potatoes out before they underwent their 90 day crop cycle and could only harvest 2,625,000 kilos. "This contributed to the deterioration of yields. The water affected much of the production", assured the director of the National Federation of Producers of Potatoes and Vegetables of Venezuela, Aldemaro Ortega.
Once again, producers say the exchange control is responsible for a new crisis. The seeds arrived at the wrong time. The license to import was allocated late and importers did not have preferential dollars, so the agricultural industry financed the seeds with free dollars.
70 of the 72 producers from Carabobo managed to harvest part of their production, while the remaining two are still waiting for the water to drain, to check the condition of the tubers and evaluate the damage. "We have to wait for the sun to rise so we can put the machinery in and harvest the products."
Before this situation arose, he had requested that the Executive, through Agropatria, reimported the seed so that it arrived in the stipulated time lapse. "This wasn't done this year because of the country's condition. We were told that there were no dollars."
Multiplied losses
The exchange rate multiplied costs and losses. A 25-kilogram bag of seeds that used to cost 1,050 bolivars now costs 30,000 bolivars, i.e. 2,757% more. Meanwhile, a bag of compost went from 2,263 bolivars to 6,000 bolivars, and labor prices went from 7,000 bolivars a week to 45,000.
The result was one of the most expensive crops for the sector. "If these conditions continue, it will be impossible to support this type of planting. We need the Government to help us."
Source: el-carabobeno.com