Paraguay: Banana farmers protest lack of market and low prices

Farmers in Guajayví and surrounding areas of Paraguay are voicing strong complaints about the lack of market opportunities and the persistently low prices for their bananas. This situation is reportedly causing millions in economic losses for the banana sector, a vital source of income for the region.

Guajayví is a major hub for banana cultivation, alongside pineapple production. Farmers estimate that around 500 hectares are currently dedicated to bananas in the district alone, not including neighboring municipalities like Yrybucuá and Santaní, which also have extensive cultivation. The scarcity of buyers and the low prices are causing significant concern, as an estimated 70% of rural families in the area rely on this crop.

Isidro Barrios, a farmer and local leader, stated that they are currently selling a box of bananas for as little as 15,000 Paraguayan guaraníes. Even in local markets, they are fortunate to get 40,000 guaraníes, but sales have been scarce recently. He also mentioned that export prices are insufficient, exacerbating the problem for those working in the sector.

Barrios appealed to authorities for assistance in finding markets that offer fair prices. "We ask our authorities to support us in getting out of this difficult moment due to the lack of market, added to the ridiculous price at which we are selling our product," he said. Some producers, like Gustavo Godoy, are exploring direct sales to the government's "Hambre Cero" (Zero Hunger) program to reduce reliance on intermediaries and improve their chances of selling their produce.