Honduran farmer’s tomato crop flourishes with Fintrac assistance

Using Fintrac’s recommended techniques under the Rural Economic Diversification program (USAID-RED), Nelson Flores’ tomato farm in Siguatepeque, Honduras produced at a rate of 104,000 kilograms per hectare ― almost three times the national average.

The secret to his success was using Fintrac’s good agricultural practices, which include the use of live barriers, soil preparation, pH regulation, bed preparation, drip irrigation, insect monitoring, pesticide management, pruning and weed control.

“USAID-RED has helped me a lot. I think I will keep on growing tomato after this trial is done. It’s a good crop when well managed,” Flores said.

Flores’ gross income from tomato was $4,000 on only 0.15 of a hectare. The success of his farm has spread to neighboring growers who now are also incorporating Fintrac production recommendations. Fintrac has also evaluated nine other varieties of tomatoes that have recorded yields as high as 95,000 kilograms per hectare.

USAID-RED is a four-year project implemented by Fintrac. During the course of the project, Fintrac’s activities will result in $322 million in sales for Fintrac clients. The project will directly impact 8,900 lead clients and beneficiaries and result in 10,000 new full-time positions.

Nelson Flores inspects his tomato crop as it approaches harvest.