Brazilian papaya plantations declined a reported 16% to 14,100Ha in 2013, in large part due to high input costs, according to Brazil's Center for Advanced Studies and Applied Economics (Cepea).

The sector has been troubled by high labor costs and market volatility, Agricultura.ruralbr.com.br reported.

In Minas Gerais state, average yield for the formosa or "beautiful" papaya has declined 34% since 2010, when Cepea began surveying the region. Flower growth was restricted in 2013 due to the hot and dry climate, as well as low temperatures between July and September, the Brazilian publication wrote.

Brazilian exports of the fruit increased, however, by 9%, totaling 23,000MT from January to October, the Bureau of Foreign Trade (Secex) indicated.

Growth in exports came in part due to increased investment in marketing and consumer education efforts, Agricultura.ruralbr.com.br explained. The year also brought opportunities in new markets, such as Qatar.

Despite lower prices in the first months of the year, limited volume pushed up average prices in 2013. From January to November, papayas from Minas Gerais reportedly received prices 2% higher than in 2012.

National revenue for the period totaled US$34.5 million, a 14% increase.

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