He increase in the price of corn and its scarcity are two of the impacts that the Association of Producers of Balanced Foods (Aprobal) has identified in the production of balanced foods. The low harvest at a national level, the increase to 20 dollars and more per quintal of grain and the lack of this raw material, warns the association, have led many companies to reduce or stop poultry, pig and feed production.
Normal annual maize production has been between 1.3 and 1.4 million tonnes. This year, best estimates point to a harvest of around 1 million tonnes, or 23% to 29% less.
Several factors have contributed to this reduction, including a smaller area planted and lower yields obtained; the fear of producers about the possible effects of El Niño; the lack of money of small farmers, indebtedness with Banecuador and other sources of credit; the use of recycled seeds and low levels of fertilization; the drought caused by La Niña that has affected the summer harvest in Los Ríos; and the conversion of large areas of corn to cocoa cultivation. It is estimated that there are around 20,000 hectares of corn in Los Ríos converted to cocoa, which represents 110,000 fewer tons of corn per year.
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Through a statement, Approved, insists on the need to take urgent measures to mitigate the effects of this crisis. “We have tried to technically demonstrate the current shortage to the authorities, calling on them to observe the market situation, prices and the needs of small producers and the industry. However, the authorities have postponed critical decisions, leaving unsolved a problem that directly affects the production of animal protein and balanced feed,” the letter reads.
A reduction of 300,000 tons in corn production is equivalent to 600,000 fewer tons of feed produced. This represents approximately 240,000 fewer tons of chicken or pork for the country. At an average cost of 3.8 dollars per kilo of protein, it is estimated that a loss of $912 million. Assuming that 50% of this lack of corn could be covered with other by-products, the loss is still considerable and would reach 450 million dollars.
The Union of Egg Producers (UNIPROH) also called on the Government to supply grain to the egg producing sector, with the opening of the import of corn into the country.
Climate change has dramatically affected national corn production, which has affected the diet of laying hens.
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