Introduction to Broccoli Cultivation in Aguascalientes
Aguascalientes sees the annual planting of approximately 1,046 hectares of broccoli (SIAP 2024). This crop is the most widely used by the local agroindustry of frozen vegetables for transformation and subsequent commercialization in Mexico and abroad.
Challenges Faced by Broccoli Cultivation
The region’s climate conditions, availability of natural resources and labor, along with a shrinking agricultural frontier, have necessitated adaptations for broccoli cultivation.
Climate change has introduced extreme temperature variations, including frosts, heatwaves, and altered precipitation patterns (intense rains or droughts), affecting crop yield and quality.
For broccoli, excessive heat is particularly problematic as it promotes the development of the golden palmilla diamond-backed beetle, a challenging pest that can cause significant crop losses and increased production costs due to heavy agrochemical use.
Moreover, Aguascalientes faces a severe water shortage. Overexploitation of aquifers in the region and low rainwater capture levels in major reservoirs exacerbate the issue. For instance, Plutarco Elías Calles dam held only 18.9% of its storage capacity in September 2024, restricting water access for irrigation.
Agroindustry Demands and Collaborative Efforts
The agroindustry caters to an increasingly demanding market requiring high-quality, safe, and sufficient raw materials. This encourages long-term business relationships where all chain participants benefit.
Agroindustry benefits from fresh, high-quality broccoli with consistent green color, uniform spears, and minimal worm presence. Meanwhile, farmers gain access to financing, technical assistance, and training for implementing production packages and resource-efficient practices.
Innovative Practices in Broccoli Cultivation
Agricultural producers and businesses have adopted various strategies, including:
- Staggered production phases during the spring-summer cycle to avoid pest pressure peaks
- Integrated pest management, emphasizing biological control against the golden palmilla diamond-backed beetle
- Biofertilizer use to enhance soil quality and root development
- Switching from traditional irrigation systems to drip irrigation for 90-95% water efficiency
- Recently, satellite monitoring technology for crop management has been introduced
Production Costs and Benefits in Aguascalientes
With proposed production technology and technical support, the agroindustry’s production costs in Aguascalientes’ agroclimatic zone are around 6,320 pesos per tonne, yielding 18 tonnes per hectare and generating 9,000 pesos per tonne.
The agroindustry enhances producer prices for delivering high-quality broccoli to buyers.
Development Programs for Broccoli Producers
The Development of FIRA Suppliers Program, implemented alongside the agroindustry and broccoli producers in Aguascalientes, aims to bridge technological and supply gaps by adopting production alternatives that improve crop quality, reduce costs, boost yields, and secure better sale prices for farmers’ improved livelihoods.
This program also supports FIRA’s strategic objectives outlined in the 2020-2024 Institutional Program, including:
- Promoting financial inclusion and reducing barriers to financial services for producers, fostering credit access and guarantees for growth and development
- Encouraging productivity and efficiency improvements across the agricultural value chain through technology diffusion for better yields and lower production costs
- Contributing to a responsible and sustainable agroforestry, fisheries, and forestry sector by adopting sustainable practices that mitigate climate change and optimize natural resource use
Author’s Note
*Flor Idalia Reyes Ornelas is a FIRA agency representative in León, Guanajuato. “The views expressed here are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect FIRA’s official stance.”
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Why is broccoli cultivation significant in Aguascalientes?
A: Broccoli is a crucial crop for the local agroindustry, which transforms and commercializes it in Mexico and abroad.
- Q: What challenges does broccoli cultivation face in Aguascalientes?
A: Climate change, water scarcity, and pest pressures pose significant challenges.
- Q: How does the agroindustry support broccoli producers?
A: The agroindustry offers financing, technical assistance, and training to ensure high-quality, sustainable broccoli production.
- Q: What innovative practices are being implemented in Aguascalientes’ broccoli cultivation?
A: Strategies include staggered production phases, integrated pest management, biofertilizer use, drip irrigation, and satellite monitoring technology.
- Q: What are the benefits of these innovative practices?
A: These practices lead to improved crop quality, reduced production costs, and enhanced yields.
- Q: What are the FIRA program’s strategic objectives for broccoli producers?
A: The program aims to promote financial inclusion, boost productivity and efficiency, and support sustainable agricultural practices.
