Moises Molina, vice minister of the Agriculture and Livestock (SAG), said oriental vegetable exports would amount to about $40 million dollars.
The dynamism of these products could be higher after the opening of a packing plant in Comayagua, which would allow the area to increase its production and profits.
"This is the result of demand, because it allows us to develop other products. A few years ago, for example, we identified there was an unmet demand for sweet potato and we engaged in its production," Molina said.
Our offer of nontraditional vegetables is still not varied enough, say the producers. However, the incorporation of new export actors will enable the cultivation of other crops.
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According to the SAG, Honduras will have produced over 36 million pounds (16.3 million kilos) of jalapeño chilli by the end of 2014, i.e. 32.2 million dollars in exports. 72 containers of jalapeños are exported to Guatemala and the United States per month.
Honduras is about to certify 195 acres in Bajo Aguan as free of Medfly, which would facilitate exports to Mexico, the largest producer of jalapeños in the world.
Currently, jalapeños and other spicy varieties are planted in Comayagua, Colón, El Paraíso, Choluteca, Santa Barbara and Olancho.
Source: LA PRENSA