Peru was once the world's leading producer of organic bananas, but growth has stagnated since the 2017-2018 season due to more frequent weather phenomena.
Karlhos Quinde Rodríguez, project manager at CEDEPAS Norte, says that the Piura region, the epicenter of banana production, has been impacted by heavy rains and prolonged droughts, and export volumes have fallen.
"Adaptation to climate change is one of the biggest challenges for the sector. Extreme weather conditions have led to a downward trend in production. However, Peruvian organic bananas have maintained their presence in the market thanks to their flavor, texture, and sweetness," says Karlhos Quinde.
According to the company's manager, it is worth noting that in Piura, Peru, banana production is mostly in the hands of more than 9,000 small producers, who cultivate between 1/4 and 1 hectare of land. "Through associative processes, they have managed to consolidate themselves in the international market, taking their bananas to various destinations around the world," he says.
One of the biggest concerns is the spread of Tropical Fusarium Race 4. "This fungus lives in the soil for decades, forcing us to implement containment strategies to prevent its spread to new areas. We are working with international agencies to allow the introduction of resistant varieties and the application of beneficial microorganisms that can improve the soil's ability to naturally control the disease," he says.
"The United States remains the main destination for our exports, with a 54% share, followed by the Netherlands, Germany, and Italy," says Quinde Rodríguez. However, logistical costs are still an obstacle. "The crisis in the supply of containers has led to cost overruns and taken a toll on export planning," he says.
To address these issues, cooperatives have focused on boosting operational efficiency and customer loyalty. "Fair trade has served to guarantee more stable prices and bigger profits for producers," he says.
"Since 2016, we have the Center for Innovation and Technology Transfer, which has allowed the implementation of technological packages to improve soil nutrition through bioferments, biochar, and mulching. We are developing alternatives such as productive diversification and the creation of a cooperative center to manage economies of scale," says Quinde Rodríguez.
"As for discarded bananas, new markets are being sought for processed products such as purées and dehydrated products. We believe that the added value of these options is an alternative for the future of the sector," he says.
For more information:
Karlhos Quinde Rodríguez
CEDEPAS Norte
Piura - Peru
Tel.: +51 (073) 346287
Tel.: +51 968 809 984
[email protected]
www.cedepas.org.pe