Honduras corn production at risk due to lack of funding

The Honduran agricultural sector needs urgent financing of 800 million lempiras (about 30 million US dollars) to avoid a sharp decline in corn production. This was stated by the former president of the Association of Cereal Producers, Julio Aparicio, noting that the funds must be raised within the next 30-40 days.

According to him, in the absence of financing, the corn harvest could be reduced to 2 million quintals (approximately 92 thousand tons) instead of the projected 8 million quintals (368 thousand tons). This will increase the country’s dependence on imports and create additional pressure on the foreign exchange market. Of particular concern is the availability of fertilizers, without which yields could fall to 40-60 quintals per manzanilla.

Aparicio also criticized the situation in the fertilizer market, stating that prices are effectively controlled by a limited number of importers due to insufficient competition. In his opinion, the increase in the cost of corn automatically leads to an increase in the cost of fertilizers, which further worsens the situation of farmers.

The expert called on the government to tighten control over fertilizer prices in the same way as it does over corn prices. At the same time, he reminded that the rainy season has already begun in the country, and therefore farmers should start sowing in the near future. To do this, they need to purchase seeds, fertilizers and other resources in advance.

Tags: corn, Honduras