Typology of avocado producers in the State of Mexico

Abstract

The State of Mexico is the third largest avocado producer nationwide, and has a planted area of 3611 hectares in 21 municipalities, representing a production of more than 23 000 tonnes per year, an amount that was reached in 2013, and generated about 281 million pesos. The objective of this research was to determine the typology of avocado producers and was performed based on producers of two municipalities Temascaltepec and Coatepec de Harinas, in the State of Mexico in 2010. A simple random sampling method was used and applied a questionnaire with closed and open questions to 50 producers selected from ejidos and small property. In Temascaltepec average yields of 24.9 t ha-1 were obtained. For Coatepec de Harinas, the average yield was 28.56 t ha-1. When compared with state and national average, was observed that the amounts duplicate, since state yield is 13.01 t ha-1 and 13.39 t ha-1 nationally. Producers count with irrigation and technical assistance in a high percentage (32.2%) compared to nationwide , which was 0.95%; despite the high yields, producers mentioned, problems with the technology as it presents a delay, especially in pruning, fertilization, irrigation, harvest schedule, plus the lack of pest control. In terms of profit, benefit-cost ratio for 2010 indicates that 0.38 units of profit are earned for each product unit sold. One problem facing avocado producers is the fall of real prices from 1980 to 2010; these decreased at an average annual rate of -1.24%, which implies a loss in profitability of producers.