CHARACTERIZATION OF PROTECTED AGRICULTURE IN THE HIGHLANDS REGION OF SAN LUIS POTOSÍ, MÉXICO

Abstract

Protected agriculture (PA) is an alternative of socioeconomic importance in México, and its adoption has not taken place in a homogeneous way, generating differences in terms of levels of technology implemented, recording significant losses in time and economic resources. A sample of 33 PA units was characterized, taking into consideration technical, financial and socioeconomic aspects, in the western highlands of San Luis Potosí, México, through the application of surveys. The results indicated that a low technological level is used, that there is a lack of the minimum equipment for the production with fertirrigation, there is no complete training for the producer, scarce or null technical assistance, as well as a lack of accompaniment and follow-up of the process of establishment, adoption, and consolidation of technologies. There is no financing for the production units and they are located dispersed and fragmented. The small units obtain a low production volume that only influences the local or regional market; they sell to intermediaries at low prices, reducing their profitability. The units of largest volume do not have a market and trading strategy. There is no organization between producers, or legal organization to obtain government backing.