Colombian lemon smuggling denounced: producers concerned about poor quality and pests

He lemon price remains high, so there are citizens who have looked for alternatives. Given this demand in recent weeks, merchants have seen the possibility of offering lemon from Colombia and others. However, this situation generates concern among Piura producers.

The main reason lies in the entry of this citrus fruit through the different borders with Ecuador, but irregularly. Smuggling bypasses the controls of the National Agrarian Health Service (Senasa). This has led to fear of the yellow dragon infestation, which could end the low production.

“Smuggling is imminent, in the early morning and at night. If it continues, we are going to take radical measures. The lemon that is entering comes from Colombia and we are afraid that the yellow dragon will bring it. We fear that this entry will affect our crops “said José Marchena Sandoval, former president of the Irrigation Commission of Cieneguillo, Sullana, to La República.

Another complaint is that bad merchants choose to mix the Piuran lemon with the Colombian and thus distribute it in local and national markets. This has generated consumer distrust and reports of poor quality from the north of the country.

What is the yellow dragon plague?

It is a bacteria that infests lemon, tangerine, orange, etc. crops, and shortens their lifespan and, therefore, reduces production. According to specialists, there is no treatment to rescue affected fruits. Learn more HERE.

Specimen affected by the plague. Photo: Government of Mexico

Why is lemon in short supply?

Different representatives point out that the change in climate and the rains affected the flowering of lemon plants. It is expected that at the end of 2023 or the first quarter of 2024 the situation can be regularized.