The Dominican Republic banana industry notched record exports of US$250 million this year thanks to phytosanitary programs to contain the effects of Black Sigatoka disease, website Hoy.com.do reported.

Agriculture Minister Luis Ramón Rodríguez told the publication the crop became the country's top agricultural export product as a result, with a notable recovery in profitability.

In terms of other crops, greenhouse cultivation reached values of US$106 million of which US$100 million was exported.

The government has enacted an agricultural development program to strengthen food security while promoting export expansion.

"The performance dynamic of the sector has been notable with a flow of new capital for financing, the execution of an insurance system and strengthening phytosanitary projects," Rodríguez was quoted as saying.

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