The abundance of citrus fruits such as oranges and tangerines has harmed papaya producers in Manabí.
Prices have dropped from 60 cents to 30 cents, leading consumers to purchase more citrus instead of papaya that is sold depending on weight.
The producers of San Vicente have accepted that they must work at a loss due to this problem.
Arsenio Soledispa, owner of a papaya plantation in the La Clarita site of the Canoa parish, said that for this season he has planted 5 thousand papaya trees and production has been excellent despite low prices.
Every week Soledispa collects up to 18,000 fruits that are sold in local markets in the country.
The last shipment of papayas sent to Quito sold for each kilo he was paid 15 cents. “In the end we understand that this is normal, since citrus fruits are cheaper and easier to obtain,” he said.
He recalled that maintaining this crop has cost them a lot, especially when they have to fight pests.
In other parts of the province, producers resort to handing out fruits for free because of its low cost.
Job opportunities
“Here, work opportunities are given not only to family members. From 8 to 10 people work about three times a week growing papaya,” he said.
Demesio Zambrano, one of the workers, said he earns $ 15 per day when he picks the papayas. He assured that he must verify when the fruit is ripe. When harvested, fruits are placed in carts, are taken to a cabin, and washed in a tank full of water. Fruits are washed to remove saps and stains. The fruits are then placed in trucks and distributed throughout the country.
Source: El Diario