In order to conquer new markets, the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation of Peru, through the National Agrarian Health Service (SENASA), has been managing access to the passion fruit (Passiflora ligularis) produced by farmers from Pasco, Junín, Huánuco and Cajamarca to Latin American markets such as Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Ecuador and other countries such as South Korea and South Africa.

The goal of the Agriculture sector is to close the present with sales close to US $ 8,000 million in agro-exports to the main destinations in the world, with agriculture being the first second provider of foreign currency in the country, only behind mining activity, despite the effects of the new coronavirus.

“For this reason, this delicious national product (grenadia) grown in 11 regions of our country has arrived, between 2019 - 2020, in Germany, Brazil, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Switzerland; As an authority in agrarian health, we continue working to conquer other markets for the benefit of agro-exporters and rural families ”, says Miguel Quevedo Valle, National Head of SENASA.

The international sanitary authorities demand as the main requirement the phytosanitary certification that certifies that the product enters their markets free of pests; For example, Bolivia asks the exporting company for a phytosanitary import permit issued by its sanitary authority, the National Service for Agricultural Health and Food Safety-SENASAG.

It is important to note that passionflower is host of two species of fruit flies Ceratitis capitata and Anastrepha fraterculus, according to study and INNOVATE agreement between SENASA PERU of the Ministry of Production; This will allow it to reach more international markets such as the United States, Chile, Argentina, among others.

From 2016 to 2018, SENASA carried out the Project "Determination of the Status of Grenadia (Passiflora ligularis) as a non-host for Fruit Flies in the province of Oxapampa", the result of which will allow more foreign consumers to enjoy this exotic and nutritious fruit.

Small producers

In turn, due to the high demand for grenadia consumption in the national and international market, the Pasco Regional Government and local governments are working on projects with SENASA, in order to provide technical assistance and training to producers of this fruit.

Producers from 7 districts, 7 Associations, Agricultural Agencies and Municipalities of Pasco strengthen their technical capacities with sessions on Integrated Pest Management; SENASA inspects and performs prospecting pests in their crops to meet export and has trained since 2018, more than 100 producers participating in the Grenadia Festival in Huanuco.

It also participated in the preparation of the Peruvian Technical Standard "Good Agricultural Practices in Grenadia" approved by INACAL.

The Association of Agricultural Producers Guilds of Peru (AGAP) considers that the product is a good option to expand Peruvian exports to the United States.