Peru was once again unable to purchase imported nitrogenous urea fertilizer; an acquisition that is increasingly urgent to safeguard the country's agricultural production.
Currently, nearly 50% of the surface devoted to Hass avocado, one of the country's most important agro-export products, is at risk because of this problem, stated Juan Carlos Paredes, president of the Association of Hass Avocado Producers of Peru (ProHass). "There are a total of 50,000 hectares of avocado, but 23,000 belong to 7,500 small farmers. The impact of fertilizer shortages is very worrying for them,” he said.
If the trees lack fertilizers, the avocados for export will reach their destination with ripening issues. “This is not evident at the time of harvest, as it affects the fruit's inner quality. This could cause Peru to lose markets,” Paredes warned. However, he stressed, large producers have various alternatives to carry out the harvest.
Prohass estimated that, unlike the last seven years in which Hass avocado exports grew by 15% annually, in 2022 they would close with only a 5% increase over 2021. "We estimate we'll export about 510,000 tons," Paredes said.
Source: gestion.pe / agraria.pe