Technology use and profitability analysis of tejocote production system (crataegus spp.) in the Sierra Nevada of Puebla
Main Article Content
Keywords
Small farmers, production systems, financiar profitability, Tejocote
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Objective. The objective of this research was to analyze use of agricultural technology and profitability of the tejocote production system and its explanatory factors, in order to identify actions to increase the fruit growers income.
Methodology. Two patterns were used (producers that carry out good phytosanitary practices and producers that export). A stratified sample of 90 fruit growers was obtained with 95% reliability and 10% precision. Subsequently, a survey was carried out, and with the data the profitability of tejocote production was calculated. In addition, the explanatory factors of profitability were identified using a multiple regression model.
Results. Profitability, measured with the Benefit-Cost indicator, ranged from 0.13 to 2.38, and an average of 0.84. In the scenario of not accounting for family labor and depreciation of infrastructure, a Benefit-Cost Ratio is achieved from 0.35 to 6.37, with an average of 1.90. The use of technology, measured by the technological index (IT) in the cultivation of tejocote, it was significant to improve profitability. The average profitability of the high IT stratum is different from the average profitability of the medium and low IT strata. In addition, the explanatory factors of profitability that shows significant (p≤0.05) were the technological index, phytosanitary control, training, schooling and size of the plantation.
Limitations. Most producers do not keep a record of production activities and costs. Likewise, in the analysis of economic profitability it is difficult to assess indirect benefits, intangible benefits and externalities.
Conclusions. It was found that the tejocote activity is profitable for producers who use more technology and have a greater number of trees in production. The variables that most impact profitability were the use of technology, fitosanitary, the size of the plantation and training.