So far this year, apple production has decreased by 25 percent. This decrease has been caused by unfavourable weather conditions.
This situation affects nearly 80 families from Fresnillo, as the decrease in harvest will not allow them to make a profit.
According to the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food (SAGARPA), the municipality has nearly 260 hectares devoted to apple production.
In previous years, producers grew up to 4 tons of apples per hectare; however, so far this year that amount has dropped to 3 tons.
Some farmers engaged in the production of apples said that part of their production could not be used because the quality of the fruit was not favourable. It was not possible to offer them in this condition, said Victor Rodarte, one of the main producers.
Rodarte said that the authorities wanted to increase the number of hectares devoted to apple production in Fresnillo but that, due to the current low production, only a small number of farmers would be interested in growing this crop.
The municipality mainly produces the Red Delicious and Golden Delicious apple varieties, which are also cultivated in the communities of Santa Rosa, El Salto, Tapias de Santa Cruz, and Buenavista de Trujillo.
Source: ntrzacatecas.com