The early fruits harvest in the plantations of the departments of the coast of Uruguay, where the citrus sector of Entre Rios has its greatest development and which includes the okitsu and satsuma mandarins, started a month late.
The postponement of the harvest, usually scheduled for mid-March, was due to the drought, which greatly affected the size of the fruit. "Since the plants received no water, they could not be supplied with certain nutrients. As a result, these early fruits do not have the calibers demanded by the market," stated the head of the Citrus Federation of Entre Rios, Fernando Borgo. The leader estimated that 60% to 70% of these varieties would not work for the market and that only a few of them might be used by the industry, which could be difficult as they also have to meet certain parameters to be used by the industry.
"The drought began in December. And the plants suffered from stress. Thus, when they did get rain, the stressed plants often lost many fruits, which fell or split," he said.
The last rains were a relief. As a result of this situation, producers are waiting for the seasonal fruits, or the late varieties. Usually, he said, the early fruit is harvested between mid-March and mid-May; then, the mid-season fruits (salustiana oranges) are harvested from May to August; and finally, the late varieties, such as the Valenciana oranges, are harvested from August to December.
"The harvest lasts practically all year. Last season there was 30% less fruit, paradoxically due to excess water. In mid-January the last oranges were harvested. Since then the market is supplied by the production stored in chambers," he said.
As a result of the lack of production, and the higher cost of stored fruit, consumer prices currently range between 25 and 30 pesos per kilogram. Despite the inconveniences of the drought, Borgo estimated that in the coming days or weeks the price would start to normalize, when there is a balance between supply and demand.
"The bulk of the harvest is starting and today prices are high but producers aren't being paid high; there were no big winners because there are other costs in the storage rooms. Last year, producers were paid an average of 1.70 or 1.80 pesos per kilogram of citrus, and the cost of producing it is 2.50 pesos. That is, we work at a loss. Today, the first producers received 4 pesos per kilogram, but only because they were the first varieties. The entry of more merchandise will tend to lower consumer prices, since citrus is the cheapest fruit."
Source: Diario UNO