Tomato production in Costa Rica is a well positioned agroproductive activity that generates 5,000 direct jobs and 20,000 indirect jobs. It also gives the national economy around 30 billion colones. For this reason, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG), in coordination with the Research Program for Agricultural Technology Transfer for Tomato (PITTA-Tomato), organize the Second National Congress of Tomato, 2012. The event will be held on the 3rd of October at the Technological Institute of Costa Rica (ITCR) in Cartago, from 7 am to 5 pm.
This was announced by Ligia Lopez Marin, Manager of the National Tomato Program of MAG, who also stressed that the objective of the Congress is to strengthen the transfer of new technologies to producers and technicians on the important aspects related to the agro tomato chain, ranging from the gate of the farm to its
commercialization.
"So far we have over 300 people confirmed. Among the most important issues that we will speak about are greenhouse structures, the use of fertigation, commercial nursery management, attention to health and safety problems in the cultivation, management of biological control and information on new seed materials, among others," said Lopez Marin.
The tomato is the most consumed vegetable in the world. In Costa Rica consumption is recorded close to 20 kg. per person per year.
"Costa Rica is self-sufficient in this activity. The tomato is a very important product in the Costa Rican diet. According to several studies, consumption prevents different types of cancers, reduces cholesterol, fights infections, strengthens the immune system, eliminates uric acid, soothes arthritis pain and reduces the risk of stroke. Furthermore, it is remineralizing and detoxifying," said MAG Tomato Manager.
Tomato production in Costa Rica is around 58,560 metric tons per year and is located in six regions of the national territory, which helps marketing. Among the most important are: Alajuela, Heredia, Cartago, Coronado, Puriscal, Santa Ana, Escazú, Monteverde, Hot Under Arancibia, Cedral and Heart of Jesus Montes de Oro, Perez Zeledon, Buenos Aires, Coto Brus and Guanacaste.
Source: MAG