The irrigation area of Santiago del Estero, in the department of Robles (area of influence of the Fernández INTA Extension Agency) has planted about 3,500 hectares of onion for the autumn/winter 2017 campaign. This is the information provided by the Central Market Corporation of Buenos Aires in its newsletter.
"This year sowing has started from the month of March until May. There was a shortage of water during the months of June and July, which is why surface irrigation has not been possible. Additionally, climate changes have been observed in the area with daily averages of 25° C, and frosts in July with temperatures of under -8° C ".
This caused some problems, as fungi developed on the crop's leaves. Unfortunately, this caused the death of many plants that were not able to recover. The bulletin also mentions a new problem: since August 6, an attack of locusts from the north has been taking place, causing another inconvenience in any green leafy crops that are in their path. SENASA is taking measures to solve this problem in the zone, and it hopes to be able to take control of this plague once more.
"Physiologically, the onion crop will be in harvesting condition by the end of August. The bulk of it will be placed during the month of September, when the onion bulbs have the commercial size that buyers ask for. "
Previous season
Last year, the available volume of onions in the Central Market of Buenos Aires was 114,943.2 tons, 3.3% more than in the previous year, when 111,230.1 tons reached the market. These increase constantly year after year.
Most of the total volume came from Buenos Aires, followed by the region of Santiago del Estero with 13.3%. A significant amount of onions were imported from Brazil, namely 7,367.3 tonnes.
Brazil's onion was the most expensive during June with an average of almost $ 11 per kilogram, compared to the prices of onions from the province of Río Negro, whose average price per kilogram was $ 7.9 for the same period.
The ones coming from the south of Buenos Aires during the month of June were offered at an average of 5.8 $. In the newsletter it is mentioned that the price difference is likely to be caused by differences in quality.