The Association of Exporters (Adex) stated that the government should include paprika and other varieties of the genus capsicum in the tax payment system known as the deductions system to reduce informality and avoid market distortions because of unfair competition.
The paprika and other fruits of the capsicum genus were excluded from the deductions system in January 2015.
Juan Varilias, the president of Adex, said the union aimed at boosting the production and consumption of peppers and chilies. As a result, he said, they have presented a series of proposals.
"Adex continues to promote the rapprochement with the Executive and Congress to promote and request the implementation of measures and tools that allow the sector to continue experiencing a positive trend," Varilias said in the framework of the IX International Capsicum Convention.
The union leader said that Adex had also proposed that the National Agrarian Health Service (SENASA) comply with the National Plan for Monitoring Chemical Residues. This would allow them to assess the presence and incidence of contaminants in dry capsicum production zones and to work on a joint procedure that includes training producers in the use of seeds, commercialization, and other issues.
Varilias also said that the indefinite validity of the Law for the Promotion of the Agricultural Sector would continue to boost capsicum production and agriculture in general.
He proposed it be extended to other activities, such as aquaculture, garments, manufacturing and wood, in order to support their recovery and growth.
"Agricultural exports will allow more than 85 thousand people to overcome poverty by 2021," he said.
Varilias also said it was essential to boost capsicum production. To do this, he said, it's important to have more precise statistics, by region and variety, as this would better serve small producers.
He recalled that an important strategy proposed by the private sector was the celebration of the Peruvian Chili Day on the first Friday of September.
Capsicum exports in 2017, which includes sweet pepper, paprika, rocotos, and peppers, amounted to more than US $238 million.
Source: elcomercio.pe