AGRICULTURAL DEMONSTRATIVE PROJECT LA ESPERANZA

The Agricultural Demonstrative Project La Esperanza (PDAE) has been executed by FHIA since 1992 with the financial support of the Government of Japan through JICA. Its goal is to generate and transfer technologies regarding new agricultural products in order to diversify the crop production of La Esperanza, Department of Intibucá. Assistance is also provided in the commercialization and processing of fruits and high altitude crops.

In five years, PDAE has generated production technologies adapted to local environmental and socioeconomic conditions of the area. Over 150 small farms that grow over 100 hectares (247 acres) and whose production is exported or sold in local Honduran supermarkets. The main crop is apple followed by asparagus and broccoli. The main benefactors are the independent farmers, peasant coops, members of the Cattle Growers and Farmers Association (AGADI), and women's groups supported by the"Support Program for Rural Women to Access Production Resources" of the FAO.

Through the project's research and consulting work done with the region's farmers, presently the following crops are produced yearly:

Strawberry: Chandler & Camarosa varieties yield around 25 tm/ha with local technology (without plastic coverings or drop irrigation).

Snow Peas: with the Oregon Sugar Pod Variety an exportable annual yield of 12,000 lb/ha during the dry season from January to May, and 8,000 lb/ha during the rainy season of September to November. Exports have been made to the United States of America.

• Apple: The Anna variety produces an excellent fruit with a yield of 30,000 lb/ha.
• Asparagus: The hybrid UC-157-F1 produces yields of 6,000 lb/ha.
• Raspberry: The Brazos & Roseborough varieties produce excellent fruit quality with a yield of 22,000 lb/ha.
• Broccoli: The Arcadia hybrid produces up to 24,000 lb/ha of excellent petals.
• Cauliflower: The hybrids Silver Streak and Candid Charm have been planted yielding 38,000 lb/ha planted in plain furrows.

The project's region, La Esperanza, Intibucá has the following characteristics:

• High plain located 1,700-2,200 (5,600-7,000) in the western central area of Honduras, approximately 200 km (124 miles) from the two main cities: San Pedro Sula to the North and Tegucigalpa, the nation's capital, in the center of the country. Puerto Cortés, main sea port is located about 250 km (155 miles) away on a good, paved highway.
• Population : Close to 12,000 inhabitants.
• Climate: Subtropical with temperatures that oscillate between 12 C and 22 C (54 and 72 F). Occasionally high temperatures reach up to 28 C (82 F) and lows drop to -2 C (28 F).
• Annual precipitation is 1,300 mm (51 inches). Relative humidity 94 & 50%. November is the wettest month and February, March and April the driest.

La Esperanza has a high potential to produce fruits and vegetables of a subtropical climate throughout the year at competitive prices.

For additional information concerning the La Esperanza Project,
Contact: Tel. + (504) 668-2078, Fax + (504) 668-2313.
E-mail dinvest@simon.intertel.hn