Caaguazú Onion Growers Fear Prices Will Fall as Smuggled Produce Enters Market

Onion growers in Caaguazú are confronting two threats at once: pest attacks encouraged by changing weather and the arrival of foreign onions, much of them smuggled.

Valentín Genes, a grower in the Guavirá area of Caaguazú district, said constant rain and sudden weather changes had encouraged different pests to spread through onion fields. Farmers have had to increase both their efforts and their spending to fight disease and protect their crops.

The growers are also worried that an oversupply of imported onions will again push down the price of local produce. Genes said they currently need to sell onions for 4,000 to 5,000 guaraníes per kilogram at the farm gate to maintain a profit. Last year, market saturation drove the price down to 2,000 to 2,500 guaraníes per kilogram, causing major losses.

A significant volume of local production is expected in about a month. Farmers hope prices remain at current levels and that foreign products do not disrupt sales of the domestic crop.

Genes also criticized the Agriculture and Livestock Ministry for providing too little assistance with inputs. He said growers receive technical support from an extension officer, but one specialist cannot meet demand. About 80 onion producers operate in Guavirá and nearby areas. Extension technician Alexis Vera said the year had brought numerous disease and pest attacks, including anthracnose and thrips, but growers had managed to control them without major crop damage. Vera confirmed he is the district’s only onion-production specialist and also assists several local organizations.