Ecuador banana industry faces Moko disease and climate pressures

The banana industry in Ecuador is facing significant biological and economic challenges. In the Los Ríos province, the primary banana-producing region, the spread of Moko disease (Ralstonia solanacearum Raza 2) has reached a critical level. The bacterial infection causes plant wilting and death by blocking nutrient transport. In areas such as Ventanas and Valencia, large plantations are being devastated, with some individual plots losing up to 10 hectares. While the Association of Banana Exporters of Ecuador (AEBE) estimates approximately 3,500 hectares affected nationwide, local reports suggest the impact may be higher.

Beyond disease, growers are struggling with the compounding effects of climate change, such as El Niño, and economic volatility. Because international trade is priced in US dollars, small-scale producers face risks from currency fluctuations. Industry advocates emphasize that sustainable supply chains require long-term commercial commitments and fair pricing to allow growers to invest in farm resilience and worker welfare amidst these unpredictable conditions.