Colombia's mango sector is in crisis. Despite the mango's innumerable nutritional and health properties, as it is a fruit that is rich in vitamins, A, C, E and folic acid, as well as minerals, such as iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc, iodine and calcium, its cultivation is under-valued in the country.
According to the association of mango producers in Colombia, Asohofrucol, one hectare of sugar mango plantation produces 25 tons of fruit and generates about 6,000 jobs each harvest; nearly a thousand of the employees are foreign. As a result of the abandonment of plantations, due to a lack of government aid, the sector creates 2,500 to 3,000 fewer jobs; undoing the social fabric of the agricultural region and causing an increase in crime due to lack of income.
The mango producing sector, as well as all the sectors that require this fruit, from researchers to the agro-industry, are responsible for this situation. Most of the mango is produced by small and medium producers, who work in isolation, both for planting and harvesting, and are not associated in organizations or cooperatives that offer them support.
The mango is a product that has health benefits for all populations and it's cultivation can help reduce unemployment and crime, and that is something that the government should pay more attention to.
In order for the mango market to re-emerge, it is necessary to improve current technology in order to reach international markets, with better phytosanitary control in crops, pest and disease management. In addition, the sector demands the government takes measures to encourage its cultivation through agrarian loans, the opening of new export markets, or an improvement in training and research of the fruit's genetics.
The mango is not only beneficial to the body; It is a fruit capable of increasing financial benefits, reducing unemployment and improving agricultural activity. Colombia can't just quit growing mangoes.
Source: elheraldo.co
