Abstract

OROZCO CIRILO, Sergio et al. Market information and potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) profitability in Valle de Serdán, Puebla, Mexico. Rev. Mex. Cienc. Agríc [online]. 2013, vol.4, n.1, pp.103-114. ISSN 2007-0934.

The production of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in the region of Valle de Serdán, Puebla, presented a sharp decline during the last five years, mainly due to productivity issues, markets and profitability. Based on the last couple of aspects, the research aimed to identify the impact of market information on sales prices and profitability of potato-farmers in the region of study. The following variables were analyzed in 2010 and 2011: 1) level of market information; 2) sales prices obtained; 3) net present value at 12% annual interest; and 4) internal rate of return. Questionnaires were administered at the beginning and at the end of the study in a random sample of 11 participants in market briefings and a control group of equal size. The statistical analysis was performed using contrast tests x² of Pearson and Kolmogorov-Smirnov, and since normal distribution was not detected, Wilcoxon test was used to compare the paired data, finally obtaining the correlations. It was found that, the four analyzed variables showed at a rise, statistically significant differences (p< 0.05) exclusively on participants market briefings and correlation (p< 0.05); but the control group remained unchanged. In conclusion, it´s shown that the increase in market information increases selling prices and profitability: fundamental aspects to mitigate the fall in potato production in that region.

Keywords : marketing of potatoes; farmers markets; market potatoes; potatoes; agricultural prices.

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