THE PRESENT AND FUTURE OF THE GREEN CHILI PRODUCTIVE CHAIN, A CASE STUDY IN ZACATECAS, MEXICO

Abstract

Chili (Capsicum annuum L.) is one of the most important crops in the state of Zacatecas, Mexico; however, its permanence as an agri-food chain could be at risk due to lack of planning in the annual establishment of the crop, price instability due to lack of regulation in supply and annual imports, in addition to other factors that affect the productivity and competitiveness of the crop, such as lack of organization, no access to economies of scale, reduced technical assistance, high production costs, lack of financing, decapitalization and lack of link between producers and the market. In this research, the current positioning of the green chili chain was evaluated; the possible future situation was also projected and sustainable strategies for cultivation are proposed. The information that supports the results was collected using the methodology of the International Service for National Agricultural Research (INSAR). Fourteen indicators were selected in accordance with the production chain. The results indicated that the green chili production chain is sustainable, but a program to stimulate production is necessary to improve the socioeconomic and competitive situation of producers. Therefore, strategic projects focused on increasing the value of production and greater labor efficiency are necessary to maintain this important production chain. There is a potential market for cultivation of green chili; however, in the short term, the total annual production of the state will decrease due to a reduction in the cultivated area and in yield. The predictions of this study can be used for decision-making in the production and purchase-sale of fresh produce.