Soursop cultivation in Colombia has increased in recent years, reaching significant figures: the country has 5,000 hectares devoted to this crop and exports more than 416,000 kg, worth one million dollars.
The total number of hectares sown, according to the Horticultural Association of Colombia (Asohofrucol), is almost 5,000 hectares, i.e. twice as much as a decade ago. Soursop consumption has become very popular in Colombia, which has the perfect climatic conditions to grow this fruit. The production areas have concentrated in the Valle del Cauca, Tolima, the so-called Coffee Region, and Boyaca.
Soursop cultivation has intensified since 2008, and producers from different regions have organized themselves, which has improved processes, promoting the industrialization of the sector.
Despite this, soursop is a complex crop, as there are numerous pests and diseases that affect this crop and prevent further development of the production. As a result, demand is currently greater than the offer. In addition, the pollination process, which must often be carried out naturally, hinders the cultivation of this fruit and prevents achieving high yields.
According to studies, there are three types of soursop: sour, semisweet, and sweet. The country's production focuses on semi-sweet crops, due to their higher demand abroad.
The North American and Chinese markets have been very attracted by the soursop. Its popularity has increased because this fruit can be used as a flavoring for dairy products and because of its anticancer benefits. As a result, Colombian exports of this fruit have increased, even though the absence of Global Gap certificates remains a problem.
Despite this, this crops numbers are increasing and it is expected become one of the five most important fruit crops in the country in the coming years.
Source: agronegocios.co