The Belize government wants for ways to revitalize the declining industries of bananas and citrus. Recent information from the Statistical Institute of Belize indicates an increase in production for both items. In the month of November, 2021, earnings from bananas were up to $5.6 million, up from $4.6 million for 2022 in addition to citrus, which experienced an increase of $0.4 million growth in comparison to 2022. Both of these industries are traditionally major sources of income from foreign countries for Belize however, exports have dipped sharply.

the Minister for Agriculture Jose Mai, acknowledges that despite efforts being made to deal with these problems but recovery is likely to take some longer. Mai pointed out a myriad of problems that impact the sector, including diseases as well as climate change and the incredibly high amount of fertilization needed for bananas. Climate change is also having an impact on both sectors, making it more difficult to rehabilitation efforts. Mai also announced the creation of a taskforce to examine the situation in the industry and provide suggestions. Mai said he hoped that favorable changing weather and lower costs for fertilizers would ease the problems facing the industry of bananas.

Mai says the administration before him ignored the agricultural sector. Mai praised the current government’s efforts to collaborate with farmers from the southern region in order to diversify their agricultural production.

Source: lovefm.com