100% of banana crops have been affected in Zulia
Production levels are on the ground. In Francisco Javier Pulgar, South of Lake Zulia, a 100% of banana crops are affected. The overflow of the rivers Chama and Mucujepe flooded the musaceae crop area.
Until December 2010 there were 20,000 hectares of plantations affected, which continued rising due to the continuous rainfall. Two million kilos of bananas were produced in 45,000 hectares, in that jurisdiction. Four months after, indicators are down because of the heavy rains that remain threatening the agricultural area.
Rubén Barboza, a producer, said all the units are in crisis. Assured that collecting banana production indicators show "how hard and highly risky is this getting" in rain season.
The Central Bank of Venezuela announced that in Zulia production data from seven agricultural items would be lifted. Bananas are within the products that are to be considered due to the consequences that have been already reported.
Barboza explained that this would be the best time to do this study, since, as well as Francisco Javier Pulgar, Colón has production units damaged by 50% and the municipality Alberto Adriani, Merida State, has the same problem.
According to evaluation of the Joint Projects Coordinating Unit of the University of Zulia, until 2010 a farm with 2,000 acres of plants would have a cost of foundation of 11,787.20 bolivares fuertes. Seeds costs have the greatest load on the scale of investment.
It could take two years for production reconstruction.
Source: La verdad.com
Publication date: 5/6/2011
