Javier Ponce Cevallos, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Aquaculture and Fisheries (MAGAP), declared once again the state of emergency for the banana sector after holding a meeting with several producers in Babahoyo, in the province of Los Ríos, Ecuador.
After the meeting, the Minister announced that the decree would be valid for a period of two months.
Ponce pointed out that, once the declaration is signed, instructions will be given on how to apply the necessary measures to help this sector.
The goal is to finalise the purchase of banana bunches to the producers and fumigate the farms.
To comply with the fumigation of farms, instructions will be given on the application of aid measures for the sector. The purchasing of fruit will be limited to the producers.
This purchase from the government seeks to reduce pressure on the market and help small and medium growers, who are unable to sell their fruit in the market and who have suffered by lack of adherence to the official price of banana boxes, fixed at $5.50.
The investment destined to the sector will amount to 5 Million US Dollars.
Source: Hoy