Sales of agrochemicals slowdown in Paraguay

The sales of agrochemicals had a strong slowdown in Paraguay in the year 2015, reveals the director of Paraguayan Chamber of Agricultural Health and Fertilizers, agronomist Ramón Sánchez. The numbers of 2015 are still being consolidated, but according to Sánchez the year was “really tough” for all the agricultural chain due to lower commodity prices.

"The fall of grain prices was ameliorated somehow by the friendly climate, which enabled a good harvest. However, in what refers to the economics, the situation in the field was very tough because 75% of the system's productive component today needs refinancing,” explained Sánchez.

According to the agronomist, producers were cautious when using inputs and the crop area did not increase, and “even decreased”. “For all of that, the demand for agrochemicals was maintained almost equal to last year with a downward trend,” he explained.

Sánchez yet criticized the National Service of Quality, Plant Health and Seeds (Senave). “The previous director of Senave, Regis Meireles, has converted that institution in an imminent collector being, instead of controlling quality, creating impracticable solutions,” complained.