Growers in the Mexican lime region of Colima have threatened to block a highway or take over the facilities of a government department if they don't receive assistance funding soon.

Website Meganoticias.mx reported growers from the municipalities of Tecomán Armería and Manzanillo have been waiting on funds promised 10 months ago, and may block the Tecomán highway or storm the Colima facilities of the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food (SAGARPA).

State lime council president Gonzalo Castañeda Bazavilvazo told the publication that 1,600 growers demanded SAGARPA deliver technological assistance packages worth MXN10 million (US$771,980) to them, along with approval for another project worth the same amount.

The packages were promised in a bid to fight citrus greening, also known as Huanglongbing (HLB), and to improve orchards.

If a positive response is not received, Castañeda Bazavilvazo said growers, workers and their families would start protesting next Tuesday, May 19, the story reported.

The council said the growers grew limes on 8,000 hectares of land. While they currently grow about 150,000 metric tons (MT) per annum, it is believed this figure could double with the support of the promised funds.

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