Thanks to international demand, pitahaya is one of the fastest-growing products in Ecuador. The area planted has increased from approximately 1,500 hectares in 2021 to 8,146 hectares today. The main cultivation areas are in the Amazon, specifically in the Palora canton, province of Morona Santiago, and on the coast, in Santa Elena.
Pitahaya has generated economic opportunities for more than 2,200 producers. Some of them reconverted crops and others started plantations from scratch. According to the Central Bank of Ecuador, in 2023, exports of this fruit reached 171.1 million dollars, a record for a non-traditional product. According to estimates, in 2024, revenues reached $200 million.
Ecuador exports its pitahaya to different markets such as the United States, Peru, China, Spain, Canada, and Hong Kong, which are known for demanding quality products and paying good prices. This growth has sparked international cooperation. BanEcuador and NEXT Ecuador, funded by the European Union, have allied to promote the sustainable production of yellow pitahaya for export.
Producers can access financing of up to 100,000 dollars at a preferential 14% rate and specialized technical assistance via the "Siembra Futuro" line of credit. This line of credit seeks to improve productivity, facilitate sustainability certifications, and connect farmers with international markets, strengthening the sector's competitiveness.
This line of credit requires that, for each hectare funded, producers conserve or restore one hectare of forest, ensuring a balance between production and sustainability. Funding includes grace periods and accessible conditions, eliminating the need for agricultural insurance and allowing for flexible payments.
Source: vistazo.com