Systems management and marketing of tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) in three municipalities of Veracruz

Abstract

Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) for its easy adaptation and resistance to drought is part of tropical agro-ecosystems as a food source for livestock and a complementary income of farmers. Nationally, the dynamics of production of tamarind has been modified, decreasing in the south and consolidated in Jalisco. The objective of this study was to identify management systems and marketing of tamarind in the municipalities of Soledad de Doblado, Manlio Fabio Altamirano and Paso de Ovejas, Veracruz and its relation to the dynamics of domestic production. Two questionnaires were applied in direct interviews with 92 producers and 37 local intermediaries selected with probability sampling technique of snowballing in 2008. We identif ied three systems: orchards, backyards and hedges, all with low levels of management. Most sell the fruit on the tree to intermediaries (52.8%), participating with 3.1% of final price, which made the sale of fruit in shell obtained 21.4% and those who sell the fruit, peeledobtained27.8%ofthefinalprice.Aproducerthattakes over more links has higher and better incomes; otherwise, the higher margins are obtained by the retailer that harvest, peels and collect the tamarind. We conclude that the dynamics of displacement of tamarind in the South responds to the lack of development in high-tech orchard, which keeps it as a product, which provides additional income or marginal producer.