Farmers and business owners will seek to position Puebla as the second or third largest avocado producer in all of Mexico over the next six years.
This projection was part of the presentation of the Puebla State Avocado Product System, an association that brings together dozens of local producers, business owners, and researchers from Mexico who aim to strengthen the state’s avocado harvest.
In San Salvador El Seco, Oriental, and surrounding areas, damage was recorded on almost 100% of the cultivated areas.
According to Enrique González Gutiérrez, president of the Avocado Product System, Puebla ranks seventh in the country in terms of avocado production volume, with 26,250 tons annually on 3,500 hectares. This represents an average yield of 7.5 tons per hectare.
Despite this, the businessman also stated that the lack of an organized commercial chain has prevented Puebla farmers from receiving competitive incomes, which has stagnated production of this food.
In this regard, González Gutiérrez affirmed that, with the establishment of the System, avocado production in Puebla will be strengthened. He explained that the goal is to increase the cultivated area to 21,500 hectares in the next six years and reach an annual production of 301,000 tons. This, he emphasized, will benefit at least 21,000 producers.
To achieve this production volume, the association of farmers and businessmen contemplated the creation of an operational structure made up of a Technical Council, an Advisory Council, and seven Regional Councils throughout Puebla.
According to González Gutiérrez, this network will be made up of farmers, technicians, researchers, transporters, and representatives from the federal and state governments. He specified that the intention is to coordinate actions by region, to address all links in the production chain.
UAE Ambassador Expresses Intention to Import Puebla Avocado
The businessman also stated that avocado cultivation in Puebla is concentrated in 23 municipalities. Despite this, one of the main obstacles facing the sector is the lack of infrastructure for processing and packaging the product.
This is important, he emphasized, because, despite the volume harvested in the state, there is not a single certified Hass avocado packing plant. This forces producers to lower the price of their avocados, even if they are of high quality.
For this reason, González Gutiérrez emphasized the goal of expanding the commercial reach of Puebla avocados to international markets.
Incidentally, the UAE Ambassador to Mexico, Salem Rashed Alowais, attended the event held today to present the System. During his participation, he expressed interest in strengthening trade with Puebla. He even highlighted the role of Dubai as a global logistics hub.
They will seek to improve water harvesting for crops
On the other hand, Christian Cruz Robles, an official from the state Secretariat of Rural Development (SDR), affirmed that the project will be supported by the authorities.
Similarly, González Gutiérrez commented that the strategy also considers strengthening research, training, technological development, and health certifications related to the Puebla avocado.
In addition, he specified that one of the greatest challenges for farmers in the state is the insufficient water harvesting for irrigation. To this end, he announced that he will seek to partner with several academic institutions, such as the Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP) and the Universidad Autónoma de Chapingo.
Finally, it should be noted that, according to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), the municipalities that produce the most avocado in Puebla are Quimixtlán, Chichiquila, Tochimilco, Chilchotla, Atlixco, Tetela de Ocampo, and Zacapoaxtla.
Source: oem
