Paraguay promotes organic strawberry farming to cut costs

Strawberry producers in Paraguay are embracing organic and agroecological farming techniques to enhance profitability and crop resilience. Farmers from Itauguá, Areguá, Ypacaraí, and Capiatá recently attended a technical training session organized by the Central Governorate.

The training focused on sustainable production methods and the use of bio-inputs, specifically the "caldo sulfocálcico" (calcium polysulfide mixture). This mixture, made from common ingredients like hydrated lime and sulfur, is recommended for application twice weekly to control pests such as mites and insects, as well as fungi and bacteria that commonly affect strawberry plants.

This initiative comes after evaluations revealed that diseases caused by fungi and bacteria had impacted up to 80% of plantations in previous seasons. By promoting organic and agroecological practices, experts aim to mitigate future losses and improve the economic viability for producers, especially considering the accessible cost of the organic inputs.

The session included technical presentations and practical demonstrations on preparing and applying the bio-inputs. Approximately 25 producers participated, including members of the "Comité Unión Para el Progreso" (UPP) from Itauguá, who have been cultivating strawberries for about two decades. Arturo Garcete, a project coordinator for the Central Governorate, led the instruction, emphasizing the benefits of ecological resource utilization.