Fruit census reveals drop in cultivated area and rise in exportable species
The 2023 Fruit Census for the Valparaíso Region shows a slight decrease in cultivated areas, but an increase in cherry and lemon plantations. Avocado remains the main crop, with a 61.9% share nationwide.
The document, prepared by the Center for Natural Resources (CIREN) with funding from the Office of Agricultural Studies and Policies (ODEPA) of the Ministry of Agriculture, indicates that the region's fruit-growing area reached 46,764.83 hectares, representing 14% of the national total. However, this figure is lower than the 49,051.4 hectares recorded three years ago, a decrease of 4.7%.
The decrease in cultivated land is partly explained by climate change, which has led farmers to switch from traditional crops to others that consume less water. In this regard, the Fruit Census shows an increase in cherry and lemon plantings, two species that are more resistant to drought.
As for fruit crops, avocados remain the region's main crop, covering 20,434.13 hectares. This is followed by table grapes, with 8,413.26 hectares, and walnuts, with 6,306.60 hectares.
Regarding irrigation methods, drip irrigation is the most widely used in the region, accounting for 65.1%. This is followed by micro-sprinkler irrigation at 28%, and furrow irrigation at 6%.
