Farmers and their tractors converged on the Sinaloa State Government Palace in Mexico for the last two days, demanding financial assistance following crop-damaging frosts in February, reported Noroeste.com.mx.

Around 450 growers were demanding US$836 (10,000 Mexican pesos) per hectare in a peaceful protest to resolve difficult credit situations with the autumn-winter agricultural cycle, the story reported.

The strike was attended by Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Juan Guerra Ochoa, who offered to arrange support of US$418 (5,000 Mexican pesos) per hectare.

In response, the senate announced it would hold talks with rural organizations to address the emergency facing the agricultural sector.

Meanwhile, Mexico’s National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) has announced Mexico’s agricultural output grew 6.6% in January, reported Hoytamaulipas.net.

Fruit and vegetables contributed to this growth, including green chili peppers, onions, mangoes, oranges and avocadoes, the story reported.

Related story: Farming 'insurgency' expected in north-west Mexico

Photo: www.noroeste.com.mx

Source: www.freshfruitportal.com