A raise in banana exports in the Dominican Republic

The banana producing sector in the Dominican Republic has become an important contributor to the employment market by maintaining a sustained rise in production over the last seven years, allowing it to raise exports and currency income.

In that period, the national production of bananas was 170,266,745 bunches, an extraordinary raise compared with the level until 2004.

In his speech at the National Assembly, the president Leonel Fernández mentioned the rise by highlighting that in 2004 19 million bunches were produced, while in 2011 it grew to 33 million, a 77.2% raise.

During 2011, the country generated foreign currency of about 200 million Dollars with exports of banana.

Banana production activity generates more than 25,000 direct jobs and indirectly around 300,000 in the Northwest.

The Dominican Republic is one of the main production countries of "guineo" (a short size banana) in the region and is a leader in the production of organic bananas.

In 2005 and 2006, banana production was 42,647,367 bunches of guineo, while in the following 3 years 53,461,481 bunches were harvested.

In 2010, banana production was of 30,279,431 bunches and in 2011 reached the level of 33,878,456 bunches.

90% of organic bananas go to markets in Europe, due to the preferential scheme.

The growth in exports was possibly thanks to the support from the government of Leonel Fernández, through the Ministry of Agriculture, lead by Salvador (Chío) Jiménez.

The Government's contribution to banana producers are expressed in the application of technology in production, delivery of agricultural tools, subsidies, insecticides, land preparation and easier access to financing, among other measures.

Source: Elnuevodiario