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Effect of volcanic ashes on bananas and melons
Guadeloupe
Friday 26 February 2010
Suspension of all the exports of bananas till the beginning of May
The eruption of the Soufriere Hills volcano situated in 80 km in the North of Guadeloupe will have heavy consequences for the agricultural production of the island.
The eruption of February 11th 2010, have provoked falls of volcanic ashes which covered the soil and the trees of particles.
Even if no study showed the harmfulness of these ashes, the head office of the bananas producers group decided to suspend the marketing of bananas for 3 months.
The part of the production which will be destroyed represents a loss of about 20.000 tons of bananas.
The producers of melons noticed that their plantations were suffocated by ashes, and announced a fall of 80 % of their exports intended in Europe.
Information source: regional Council of Guadeloupe and DOMactu
