According to estimates he made in an interview to this newspaper, the number of acres of asparagus will not increase this year. He also said that in the next 10 years 15,000 hectares that produce asparagus would have to leave the market because they have run their cycle.
"We have reached stability at 25,000 hectares of asparagus sown and will loose 15,000 hectares of old asparagus in the next 10 years, we better start planting 15,000 new hectares," he remarked.
Cilloniz said that there would be new areas of production of asparagus this year in Casma (Ancash) and Canyon (Lima). However, he explained that due to the asparagus crisis and the issue of the hectares of old asparagus, these new areas would replace those that are being changed, so overall there would be no increase in area.
"Ica has achieved stability at 30 thousand hectares intended for agricultural cultivation out of which only 10 thousand hectares are planted with asparagus. So there is a chance of planting it in other areas. Asparagus will be planted in Casma and Barraca, areas that were not asparagus, to replace the old asparagus zones," he announced.
He also mentioned that some asparagus companies from the Ica, such as the Agricultural Company Chapi and the Manuelita Group, would be replacing asparagus for grape.
Regarding trends, he mentioned that there would be an increase in the demand of green asparagus as its consumption in its biggest market, the United States, is increasing by the year. In addition, China, a new market, would demand more fresh asparagus. White asparagus, however, won't be offered as much as green asparagus on the European market.
"We will close the year with sales of around US$ 500 million. The price will remain high. It's currently at US$ 2.2 per kilo and producers have to hurry and sow. In the future the consumption of asparagus will increase because it is a healthy product, and very in fashion," he said.
Source: Agraria.pe
