Panama's pineapple, especially the MD2 variety, maintains a strong presence in the international market. In 2025, producers exported more than 224,000 boxes (equivalent to 28 million kilograms) from La Chorrera, according to the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA). At the end of the 2023-2024 agricultural cycle, Panama Oeste had 1,776 hectares of pineapple and 123 producers.
In 2024, the United States was the main destination, with a nearly 60% share. It was followed by EU countries, the Netherlands, Libya, France, and Belgium. According to the MIDA, the province of Panama Oeste accounts for 95% of national production. Last year, the country exported 11,526,186 kilograms of pineapple for approximately $7.7 million.
A study by the Technological University of Panama (UTP) and the Center for Multidisciplinary Studies in Science, Engineering, and Technology (Cemcit AIP) revealed that the Herrera district accounts for 79.6% of national production. The "Geochemical map of nutrients for the agricultural zone of Herrera, Panama Oeste" study evaluated the chemical quality of soils to generate nutrient maps.
The research, led by Dr. Ana Cristina González Valoys, identified that about 50% of pineapple investment goes to inputs and irrigation. Key nutrients include calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, nitrogen, and phosphorus. Soil pH is adequate for pineapple, but soluble nitrogen was insufficient, requiring specific amendments.
The study established around 100 sampling points on pineapple farms and analyzed their soil, irrigation water, and crops. González stressed that "the irrigation water complied with agricultural use standards." This research allows the implementation of precision agriculture, managing natural resources sustainably, which could reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers.
Source: laestrella.com.pa