[]
One month after the work stoppage in the lemon fields in several municipalities of In Mihoaca (August 17) as Buenavista y Apatzinganlos fruit cutters They stopped production again, after the murder of the businessman, Jose Luis Aguiñaga, last Friday, who refused to continue with the extortions.
“Things have not changed, nor will they change,” said several producers interviewed by this newspaper.
For reasons of securitythey asked not to reveal their names or the names of the packing plants where they work, and stated that, on the contrary, rather than stopping these criminals Now the quota was increased, where for reference the bribe went from 1 peso to 2 pesos per kilo of lemon that goes on sale.
“We have to go around trying to make sure they don’t notice how or at what time we release the production. to be able to free a part of the bribes“the cutters and packers said fearfully.
They pointed out that there are operations by the authorities with patrols and convoys to protect the trucks lemon, but the problem is not attacked at its root, it is not investigated nor are the perpetrators stopped. leaders of the extortionists.
Now they are the producers of Apatzingan who are joining the strike with the people of Buenavista, after the murder of the lemon producer last Friday.
“A small van of about 18 tons paid 18 thousand pesos minimum In order to leave the entity, they now pay almost double,” said the packers.
Tito Aguiñaga, as the executed producer was known, was murdered on his ranch in Buenaventura, the main lemon-producing area.
“This closure not only impacts local production, but could also impact lemon prices nationwide, due to the reduction in supply.
The situation opens the door to speculation, with possible increases in the costs of the product,” estimated in a citrus report the Agricultural Markets Consulting Group (GCMA).
The consultancy estimated that the lemon price in most of the country is on average 60 pesos per kilo, speaking of the Mexican lemon with seed, while a year ago it oscillated at this time of year. September 15 and 16 at 49 pesos for the final consumer.
It was highlighted that while the cost to the consumer rose by about 10 pesos, for the producer on the contrary it fell, since last year they were paid 23 pesos per kilo and this September they are barely buying them for 21.
Producers told 24 HORAS that it is difficult to stop production because the impacts on the sector are significant and they face losses due to logistics. up to 7 pesos per kilo.
“We cannot stop completely, because we are still paying the costs and production has already dropped. We prefer to continue working even with extortion.”
Related
2024-09-20 13:01:31