Tomato producers in Caaguazú face a commercial crisis
IMIGUAY · Updated on 10/10/2026 · 5 min read
Tomato producers in the department of Caaguazú face a serious commercial crisis due to national overproduction and smuggling.
Crisis in Caaguazú's horticultural sector
Farmers in the department of Caaguazú are facing a severe crisis due to the combination of overproduction and the influx of smuggled goods, according to information originally published by ABC Color. Local producers report difficulties in selling their crops, resulting in significant financial losses.
Main points of the crisis
- The production cost estimated by farmers ranges from G. 3,000 to G. 7,000 per kilogram, depending on investments in the crop.
- The current selling price has dropped to less than G. 2,000 per kilogram, a value lower than the cost of production on the farm.
- The lack of buyers causes part of the production to end up rotting on rural properties.
- Producers point out failures in production planning and demand greater enforcement against smuggling by competent authorities, such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG).
Impact on agribusiness and local investments
Although the situation directly affects small local farmers who depend on the harvest to support their families, the scenario highlights the structural and logistical challenges faced by the Paraguayan horticultural sector. Sharp variations in supply and demand, coupled with unfair competition from smuggling, are important risk factors to be monitored by investors and entrepreneurs operating in the country's agricultural and food supply chain.
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