Last Thursday's storm affected the Ñuatí Company, located in this community, and generated huge losses for 22 labourers of the Renacer and Hugua Pytá producers' committee.
Adrian Jara, the departmental manager of Paraguarí's Agricultural Development Centre, stated that, according to preliminary data, the storm affected tomato producers the most affected as they lost a total of 22,000 plants and over $500 million Guaranies (USD $ 113,500). The producers are asking for seeds, inputs and insecticides to restart their tomato crops. The Minister Against Poverty, Juan Carlos Baruja, and the Governor of Paraguarí, Miguel Cuevas, promised assistance for the affected parties.
The hailstorm affected the members of the Crescent and Hugua Pyta committee the most, which, together with 11 other producer organizations of the Ñuatí Company, had committed to provide a total of 19,000 kilos of tomatoes this year for the school lunches provided by the Government's department, said Solano Fernández, one of the producers concerned.
Fernandez said the farmers of the Renacer organization feel powerless because they had invested over 250 million Guaranies (USD $56,750) in irrigation systems, partial shades and greenhouse systems so they could produce continuously. Unfortunately, this organization, which produces over 36,000 kilos, lost most of its production. Finally, Fernandez stated they hoped they could meet their commitment with the production of other community organizations.
Source: abc.com.py