"The Colombian banana sector faces constant challenges, but we continue working to guarantee the quality and sustainability of our production," stated José Francisco Zúñiga Cotes, executive president of the Association of Banana Producers of Magdalena and Guajira (ASBAMA). This organization, which brings together some 750 producers and covers about 15,000 hectares, addresses issues such as plant health, logistics, and the competitiveness of the product in international markets.
"Nearly 50,000 containers of bananas are shipped through the port of Santa Marta each year, making it the country's bananas' main export port. The United States accounts for 35% of our exports, followed by the United Kingdom and Europe, with Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands," stated Zúñiga Cotes. He also emphasized the importance of Fair Trade, a certification that especially benefits small producers, who can receive an additional dollar per box, raising the current price of $7.50 per 20-kilo box.
However, logistical challenges remain. "One of our main problems is the state of the tertiary roads, many of which are unpaved. This affects the transit of bananas and their quality when they reach the ports," the representative of ASBAMA stated. Another critical point is the modernization of irrigation channels. "Currently, almost 50% of the water is lost through seepage into the subsoil. We are implementing more efficient systems such as sprinkler and drip irrigation to optimize the use of water resources," he added.
"The Colombian banana sector also faces phytosanitary threats. Since the arrival of the Fusarium R4T fungus in 2019, the industry has strengthened its biosecurity protocols to contain its spread. We are working on a fungus-tolerant banana variety, which will allow us to guarantee long-term production," said Zúñiga Cotes. Despite these efforts, he acknowledged that competition with Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Guatemala remains strong, forcing Colombia to continuously improve its efficiency and sustainability.
Another latent challenge is security in the logistics chain. "Contamination of containers with drugs is a growing concern. We have implemented CCTV monitoring on the farms and scanners at the ports to minimize the risks," he said.
On a smaller scale, the association is promoting alternative projects to make use of bananas that are not exported. "We are developing banana flour with the production waste, which generates employment and opportunities for women heads of household," Zúñiga Cotes stated.
For more information:
José Francisco Zúñiga Cotes
Asociación de Bananeros del Magdalena y la Guajira (ASBAMA)
Carrera 1C No. 22 - 58 Office. 1207 Edificio Bahía Centro
Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia
Tel.: (+57) 605 421 2907 / +57 320 521 6669
Email: presidencia@asbama.com
www.asbama.com