The Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food (SAGARPA) said that Mexico was the third biggest producer of asparagus in the world and that the country had tripled its crops over the past 10 years, thanks to Mexico's agricultural power.
Through a press release, the federal agency stated that the country went from having five asparagus production centres to thirteen in a few years. As a result of this progress, asparagus production increased by 66.5 percent between 2013 and 2016; going from 125,165 tons to 208,435 tons, according to data released by the Agricultural Food and Fisheries Information System (SIAP).
The SIAP said that "in this period, asparagus production had an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 13.6 percent, one of the highest in the fruit and vegetable sector. The average harvest stood at 166,843 tons."
The major producing states are Sonora, Guanajuato, Baja California, Baja California Sur, and Queretaro. These entities accounted for 98.9 percent of the supply, equivalent to about 206,225 tons.
Sonora contributed a volume of 129,808 tons; Guanajuato, 27,146; Baja California, 27,070; Baja California Sur, 16,917, and Queretaro, 5,284 tons.
According to experts, the market value of the asparagus crop is estimated at 6,485 million pesos. Mexico has nearly 24,000 hectares devoted to this crop and in 2015 exports amounted to nearly 106,432 tons worth 171.9 million dollars, which means producers had a surplus of 170 million dollars.
Asparagus can be grown throughout the whole year. It has production peaks between December and April, a period in which producers harvest more than 70 percent of the supply for domestic and foreign markets.
Other producing entities include Aguascalientes, Coahuila, State of Mexico, Michoacan, San Luis Potosi, Sinaloa, Tlaxcala, and Zacatecas.
Mexico's asparagus complies with international quality standards and being the third biggest producer of asparagus worldwide confirms how important this crop is for the country. This vegetable has a delicate flavor and many diuretic properties. Customers can buy green, white, or purple asparagus.
Source: segundoenfoque.com