Exports of Peruvian products —grown as alternative to illegal coca plants— have so far this year totaled US$68 million, Peru's National Commission for Development and Life without Drugs (Devida) informed.
Said figure shows the success of crop substitution programs implemented by the government, Devida President Carmen Masias affirmed.
The trend to export agro-products —essentially coffee, cacao and palm oil— is on the rise due to productive market's dynamism.
Likewise, she underlined the alternative economic activity benefits some 68,000 families residing in former coca-growing areas.
Thus, a new irreversible process for legal development and social peace has begun.
One of the priorities is to provide assistance and support to producers, in order to reach associativity. The latter is needed to achieve progress and meet market demands.
In addition, Masias pointed out there are currently 12,000 hectares of alternative crops in Monzon Valley (Huanuco region) useful to some 6,000 families. At the site, cocoa, sacha inchi and coffee are grown.
Lastly, the official noted the United States and the European Union (EU) are still Peru's most important partners in the fight against drug-trafficking.
(END) CVC/CCR/JHM/MVB
Published: 3/26/2017