In Eastern Chiriqui, the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA), via 15 demonstration plots established in potential areas in the districts of San Felix, San Lorenzo and Tole, promoted the cultivation of bananas as an alternative for farmers to diversify production and expand their market share.

The plots serve as meeting places where farmers are informed about recommended technologies to produce bananas efficiently and at a low cost, with emphasis on integrated crop management, plant management and the proper use of drains.

The head of the MIDA in San Juan, Eugenio Velasquez, said that the producers were interested in supplying the local market; a market that is expanding due to new residential and tourist projects, as well as to the construction of the David-Santiago double-track.

Leonardo Marcelino, agricultural expert from the IDIAP, said that there was a good chance of success for banana crops in these areas, but that the producers had to select areas with suitable soils and permanent water supply to avoid problems in the dry season.

The demonstration plots are of the curare -statured high yield variety that is tolerant to strong winds. Estimates, however, are that other varieties can be used in the area, such as the traditional white or pink horn and FIA 20 and 21, which have high yields and are tolerant to the black sigatoka disease.