May 03, 2025 | Dominican Today |
The Dominican Republic has significantly expanded its fruit exports during President Luis Abinader’s administration, doubling mango exports from $20 million in 2020 to $50 million in 2024. Avocado exports also rose from $223.4 million to $309.4 million in the same period. New fruits like pitahaya and castaña de masa have entered export markets, though demand currently exceeds supply.
The Ministry of Agriculture, led by Limber Cruz, supports this growth by offering financing through the Agricultural Bank and distributing nearly 3 million fruit tree plants to over 25,000 producers, including more than 6,000 women. Over 253,000 acres have been planted under this initiative.
Nationally, mango cultivation covers over 150,000 acres, avocados 850,000 acres, and citrus fruits 716,760 acres. The Department of Fruit Trees (DEFRUT) has also worked to revive near-extinct fruits like sapote, mandarin, and guava, while promoting new high-demand crops such as grapes and masa chestnuts.
The latter, once a backyard staple, is now valued for its nutritional content and versatility, including gluten-free flour and milk alternatives. Fruit consumption has grown locally, supporting both food security and export diversification.
