Mexico remains the world's largest papaya producer, with key production in Oaxaca, Veracruz, and Colima. Agronomist consultant and irrigation advisor Fco. Javier Angulo Rendón of Tefen Flow & Dosing Technologies Ltd describes how growers are adjusting production systems to meet export demand and manage crop performance under intensive regimes.
Javier notes that papaya output has expanded over the past four years as producers target export markets. Mexico produces about one million tons of papaya annually, with 46 percent destined for the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, and Brazil. "In the past, local farmers grew papaya mostly for the domestic market," he says. "But as international demand increases, producers need to significantly scale up their operations to meet export needs."
Export volumes reached 460,000 tons last year. Earlier gains came from genetic improvements, but current demand requires higher yields and more efficient production. Popular varieties include Maradol, Rose Lady, Passion Red, Paulina f1, and Tainung Star f1, with Maradol widely used for its flavour and shelf life. According to Javier, many growers reach about 50 tons per hectare and aim to reach 100 to 120 tons per hectare.
He notes that these targets require more precise irrigation and fertilization management. Fertilizer is one of the highest costs in papaya production, and dosage accuracy becomes more complex as planting densities increase. Javier describes how Tefen's MixRite dosing unit is used in papaya operations to inject fertilizer or agrochemicals into the irrigation flow. "MixRite doses the fertilizer or agrochemical directly into the irrigation flow, ensuring it reaches all parts of the plant," he says. In field comparisons, he reports uniform fruit set and reduced fruit drop where dosing is more consistent.
The system operates using water pressure and does not require external power. Growers use it in regions where water sources are located far from farms and where more localized dosing control is needed. Javier says that areas using the system show stronger plants and better flower retention due to fewer fluctuations in conductivity and pH during fertigation.
He links more uniform fertilization with reduced flower drop, higher yields, improved fruit quality, longer shelf life, and fewer pesticide applications due to more vigorous plant growth. Papaya cultivation in tropical zones involves high humidity and disease pressure, and extreme weather makes spraying difficult. Consistent nutrition supports crop resilience under these conditions.
Javier says more growers are adopting the system as they look for ways to increase supply for export markets. As demand grows, he notes continued interest in technologies that support higher planting densities, more efficient input use, and stable yields across production regions.
Source: IsraelAgri
