The adoption of the blackberry could mean profits for producers in the south of the state, increasing their income, since its marketing prices are excellent.
The traditional crops grown in the south of Sinaloa are mangoes (22,000 hectares) and Chili (7000 hectares), however these crops have presented serious pests and disease (whitefly and virus diseases in chili, thrips rust and anthracnose in mangoes) problems. Their main problem, however, lies in the marketing, as its production is agglomerated for short periods, causing an oversupply and declining revenues due to lower selling prices.
As an alternative to face this situation, and encouraging the conversion of crops, Foundation Produce Sinaloa, AC, will continue the project validation to harvest blackberries with potential for southern Sinaloa, whose main objectives are:
• Establish blackberry crop with potential for southern Sinaloa.
• Determine the performance and adaptability of the areas for cultivation, taking into account the conditions of the southern state.
Due to its proximity to the U.S. border, Sinaloa has advantages for the export of this fruit.
However, producers must have in mind that local demand is growing rapidly, and that you can find fresh and frozen blackberries in large supermarket chains.
The blackberry can achieve a yield of 5 tons per acre and a price of 20 pesos per kilogram.
Although blackberry requires a temperate climate to develop, climatic conditions in southern Sinaloa are favorable for this crop to prosper, if the extensive agroclimatic diversity is taken advantage of for the new Mexican varieties of this fruit.
Moreover, the adoption of the blackberry, can mean profits for producers in the area, increasing their income, since their marketing prices are excellent. Cultivating blackberries could give yields of 5 tons per hectare, sold at a price of up to 20 pesos per kilogram.
It should be noted that the profitability is increased from the second year because it is a perennial crop.
Source: Fps