The quality of the fruit and vegetable products of the residents of Itapúa and Caaguazú makes sector authorities analyze the possibility of exporting the products to Brazil, more specifically in the market of Sao Paulo, as expressed by the Ing. Nestor Ayala, director marketing of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG).
This shipment could take place at the end of this year, considering the months of highest production are between August and October.
Nationwide carrot production amounted to 19,000 tons in 2015, 5,000 tons lower than the 24,000 tons achieved in 2014. This year's prospects are favorable, thanks to the rainy days expected and because this product has better yields in wet weather, said the marketing director of MAG.
Regarding labor, this sector employs more than 500 people directly in both departments.
In 2015 there were 1,200 hectares devoted to this product while in 2014 there were 1,500 hectares. This decrease in hectares was due to the unfavorable climate in the first months of last year, he said.
The department of Itapua produces 80% of the total national production of carrot.
Quality
"The carrot produced in the country is of very good quality compared to the carrot produced in other countries in the region. That's why we are analyzing the possibility of exporting this product to high demand markets such as Brazil," Ayala said.
He said that the Brazilian market had been interested in importing this product in previous years, but that the price they had offered at that time did not meet the producers' expectations. They expect to improve this aspect this year and reach an agreement between both parties.
He added that the joint work between the MAG and the National Quality and Plant Health and Seeds (Senave) will be key to marketing the product abroad.
"We have important projects with carrot producers to continue improving the product's quality, which will be possible thanks to the will of producers," he said.
Source: lanacion.com.py