PULQUE MAGUEY (Agave salmiana Otto ex Salm-Dyck): AN OPTION FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Pulque maguey (Agave salmiana) is reproduced in the Mexican highlands; its cultivation and exploitation date back to Pre-Hispanic times. It adapts to different climate conditions and provides a variety of environmental products and services. Historically, maguey is designated as the most ancient plant in México. The causes that led to the near extinction of the maguey plant in the region were determined, and it was analyzed whether the integral exploitation of maguey is a viable option that can contribute to the development of a rural community in Veracruz, México, showing as results that the exploitation of pulque maguey is profitable and a feasible option for the development of the ejido, because of its economic and social impacts.