Banana production in Ecuador has apparently fallen by 30-40 per cent during the last two months due to cold weather on the coast, which has reduced both yields and sizes.
According to a report by El Universo, the situation is being further complicated by exporters who are only offering growers between US$1.40 and US$1.70 per box of the fruit – the official price is US$5.40/box.
Average nighttime temperatures have reportedly fallen to 20oC in the coastal region of El Oro in the south-west of Ecuador – one of the country’s main banana-producing areas – which has delayed fruit development and therefore set back harvesting.
“The fruit is delayed and isn’t of good quality,” explained Paúl González, president of the Machala Agriculture Centre, adding that the “stress” caused to the plants by the cold temperatures has affected their development.
Cacao and shrimp producers in El Oro have also been affected by the cold weather, according to El Universo.