Thenor Velásquez, the manager of the Association of Banana Producers of Honduras, reported on February 21 that banana production has significantly declined due to reductions in production areas and consecutive floods—currently, the harvest yields between 2,500 and 2,800 boxes per hectare.

"This reduction has led to a drastic increase in market prices, with bananas now costing up to three lempiras each, compared to three bananas for one lempira previously," he stated.

Velásquez explained that for years, they have been searching for financing options to support the few remaining producers following the floods in 2020, which forced many producers to sell their farms to protect their financial guarantees.

The banana production area has plummeted from 3,200 hectares to around 700 hectares. If sufficient funds can be secured to renew the farms, this could be increased to about 1,000 hectares.

Previously, there were 50 producers representing approximately 10,000 hectares nationwide. After Hurricane Mitch in 1998, this number decreased to 3,200 hectares, and following the impact of tropical storms Eta and Iota, it further diminished to 700 hectares, primarily located in San Manuel and Pimienta in Cortés, as well as the Santa Inés farm in Piletas, Sonaguera, Colón.

Despite their ongoing efforts, Velásquez noted that they have been unable to secure government assistance.