Production of Peruvian blueberries would double this year
Growth is due to various factors such as the increase in hectares, the entry of new companies and plants with higher production.
At the close of the 2016, blueberry production in Peru will reach 20.000 tons, which would represent more than double the production of the previous year where it amounted to 9.600 tons, estimated the CEO of Sierra Exportadora, Alfonso Velásquez Tuesta.
He indicated that this volume will be obtained taking into account the growth of the number of hectares of blueberries in the country, which has been experiencing an increase in the last two years, going from 1.900 ha in 2014 to 2.500 ha in 2015. At the end of this year, it is projected to reach 3.200 ha.
"It should also be taken into account that this year the blueberry plants will be between 6 and 7 years, which indicates that they will have higher production. In addition, new companies - medium and large - are venturing into the cultivation of blueberries"Velasquez Tuesta said during his participation in the International Blueberries Seminar, organized by Blueberries Consulting and AGQ.
He also stated that the cultivation of this fruit responds better and better to the various agricultural areas of Peru, so that the country has the capacity to supply the international market in times of scarcity (between the months of September to November). He also said that the nutritional and medicinal properties and the different uses that can be given by the cranberry are other fundamental factors for its demand in external markets such as the United States, the United Kingdom and recently Asia.
"It is a challenge to have a future production with genetic improvement. In the case of cranberry, we have to think about new varieties since the Biloxi variety is currently produced. We expect a consolidation of berries in the coming years, since they will allow an adequate productivity and improvement in the income of small producers in the country"He said.
Sierra Exportadora has been providing technical assistance to small producers of blueberries in terms of improving their competitiveness, applying Good Agricultural Practices (BPA) and promoting innovation in the industry, which are focused on giving added value.
Date
The La Libertad region represents the 90% of the total national production of blueberries. Lambayeque, Ica, Lima, Ancash and Cajamarca are other regions that produce blueberries.
Source: Agraria.pe