Ecuadorian Government Declares Emergency in Banana Sector

Javier Ponce

The minister of agriculture, Javier Ponce, declared the emergency state for the banana sector in Ecuador after a meeting held this Friday 13.

Ponce assured that once the emergency declaration is signed, the instructions will be defined to apply help measures for the sector. Through this action the agriculture ministry plans to reduce the pressure of the market in order to help the small and mid producers who cannot sell the fruit.

Regarding the fumigation issues, Ponce pointed out that it will be developed with small producers. During the upcoming week, the minister will meet with the banana sector to give them new instructions.

The initial budget of this emergency plan is of five million dollars. According to Ponce the declaration would be extended for eight weeks. (AV)