Coffee bean production decreases Central America is badly hit by coffee rust

Currently, 13 of El Salvador's 14 provinces are affected by coffee rust. A similar situation has occurred in Nicaragua, where small farmers have been hit hard by coffee rust. In Central America, particularly Costa Rica, Honduras and Guatemala, coffee rust was successfully controlled within two years through innovative coffee cultivation, pruning and proper fertilization. However, coffee rust continues to hit Central America.

In El Salvador, an innovation plan has been adopted. In Nicaragua, a prevention and control plan will be implemented in the coming months. Fungi rampant damage to crops in both countries in 2014 due to adverse climatic conditions, poor agricultural cultivation and reduced investment in crop maintenance.

According to the International Coffee Organization, the loss of coffee rust in Central America during the 2012 / 13 planting season is about US $500 million, resulting in 441000 job losses.

In response to the above complex situation, the Costa Rican Ministry of Agriculture raised a $40 million fund to combat coffee rust immediately after the national declaration of a state of emergency. After losses of 28 per cent in the 2013 / 2014 planting season, the Government of Nicaragua proposed the establishment of a national committee to develop a medium-term plan to revitalize the coffee industry. According to Amecaf é Association, Mexico, affected by coffee rust, will reduce production by nearly 18 per cent in the 2014 / 2015 planting season.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has launched a product called SATCAF??. The comprehensive information system can register, monitor and maintain the data of coffee blight.