The president of the National Plant and Seed Health and Quality Service (Senave), Oscar Cabrera, stated on Monday that the frosts had affected 25 to 35 percent of Paraguay's tomato production, so the authorities had okayed the importation of the Brazilian tomatoes, as the product from Argentina was also affected by the climate event.
"The frosts had a very strong effect on the production. It substantially reduced the plants in production. According to estimates, 25 to 35 percent of the crop was affected by the frosts. This is the most consumed product in the country, as the market demands some 6 million kilos of tomatoes per month, so when its price goes up it also affects the other products," he said.
Paraguay currently consumes about 6 million kilos of tomatoes on a monthly basis. However, this demand is diminished by the frosts that affected the production.
According to the report, the country's production will only supply 1,650,000 kilos of tomatoes and they need to cover the rest of the demand. To do this, they will free the import of tomatoes and, according to estimates the fruit will be brought from Brazil, as the fruit from Argentina was also affected by the same climatic issues and its prices are very high.
"We have released permits and phytosanitary accreditations for 1,200,000 kilos for August, so prices don't increase that much," he said, adding that this measure would also curb smuggling by favoring the legal entry of these products.
Regarding the quality and care of the products to be admitted, the official said that they would perform all the quality controls so that the consumers were sold healthy products, as the institution has the necessary infrastructure to do so.
"We have seized more than 163 thousand kilos of products this year, 40% of which corresponds to tomatoes. Many people are already formalizing their situation because they prefer to work legally," he added.
He also said the country was working to be permanently self-sufficient in fruits and vegetables. In addition, he stated that the Ministry of Agriculture had made an investment in irrigation systems, greenhouses and other elements to achieve this goal so that there wasn't a lack of national products. Currently the production is seasonal.
The head of the phytosanitary entity, said that the country should continue working to export its vegetables, as was done in previous years.
"Our aim is not only achieving an exportable volume but also a great quality. We used to export tomatoes years ago and we can do it again," he added.
Paraguayan consumers prefer to pay a little more for imported products, he said. However, producers are improving the quality of their tomatoes and the consumers mentality will change, he added.
Finally he said they were working to achieve certifications for various fruits and vegetables.
Source: ppn.com.py