Agriculture Minister Limber Cruz said it takes 10 months for plantains to grow and harvest. He said that it could take until May for the price plantains to go back to normal. Platanos had been selling for less than RD$10 the unit, but recently supermarkets have the popular staple for RD$28 each, a new high.
Cruz said that farmers have planted the crops. Short cycle crops will be available soon. He forecast beans will be available in January at new lows.
Cruz said during the interview with Listin Diario journalists that the Ministry has retaken import permits for farm products. The Dominican Agribusiness Board (JAD) handled these during the past Medina administration. He observed in the past two companies controlled key farm product imports. He guaranteed the Ministry of Agriculture is issuing these democratically and with transparency. He says to issue these, the Ministry checks the inventories and what has been planted.
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Listin Diario
Listin Diario
4 November 2020