Page 59 - Ecuador's Banana Sector under Climate Change

chapter 2: economic and policy analysis of the banana sector in ecuador and implications for social and environmental sustainability
(a) enact strict regulations for aerial chemical spraying, based on evidence and quantified impacts (if available);
(b) introduce and promote the adoption of improved technologies that are known to minimize the risks, such as the use of GSP technology by spray jets and other precision delivery techniques;
(c) broaden the use of integrated pest management techniques by disseminating a protocol for the implementation of the Integrated Pest Management (IPM), supported by producer training and economic incentives; and;
(d) adopt a clear zoning strategy and the delineation of no-go zones for banana production, on the basis of environmental risk assessments.
In addition to the regulation of chemical applications, there are a number
of complementary measures or production techniques that can contribute to reducing environmental side effects. Among these are the adoption of improved water management techniques; fertigation; frequent replanting of banana plants to avoid heavy spraying; and, when economically viable, organic production.
Organic production offers additional challenges to combat major diseases, such as BS, as organic production requires more intensive management and knowledge. It also requires a more solid research base to develop nonchemical pest control methods and introduce protocols to monitor organic inputs, thus ensuring that protected areas are dedicated to organic bananas with no risk
of contamination from chemical use by adjoining plantations. These proposals require strong public support and solid policy measures. The creation of a national umbrella organization for organic producers can be a key institutional reform that would greatly facilitate these processes. The organization would liaise between organic producers, the Government and other private sector stakeholders, as well as articulate the interests and needs of organic producers and contribute to the formulation of policy and/or supporting measures.
Small-scale farmers also apply nonchemical methods against pests, such
as removing old infested leaves, intercropping with disease-resistant crops
and planting in partial shade areas, thus reducing the instance of disease (Ploetz, 2001). Other nonchemical techniques for controlling BS are to use plastic sleeves that separate the hands on each bunch during the growing period; reduce the amount of scarred fruit and rejects; and accelerate maturity before the harvest (FAO, 2003). IPM techniques rely on a mixture of mechanical, biological and chemical means to control pests. As such, IPM seeks not to eradicate pests, but to limit their presence to an economically manageable level. IPM also carefully manages fertilization so as to limit the contamination of surface and underground water (Merchán Vargas, 2002). The most successful widespread application of IPM has been in the Dominican Republic, where
its application has significantly encouraged the widespread adoption of
organic banana production in the country. As a result, the Dominican Republic is now the topmost producer and exporter in this niche banana market (Roquigny et al., 2008).
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