Characterization of the agricultural farms in the first stage of the Majes-Siguas, Peru

Abstract

Objective: To characterize the agricultural units in the first stage of the Majes-Siguas Irrigation Project in Arequipa, Peru. Methodology: The population consisted of 2 673 producers, from which a sample n= 335 was taken in five sections of the irrigation project. A structured survey was used that collected economic, social, environmental information from the agricultural units. Results:The agricultural units differ in their characteristics from one section to another, but in most of them, the whole plot is cultivated in a mixed farm where agriculture and cattle raising are carried out. Crop rotation is practiced and a mixture of 60% manure + 40% fertilizer is used; pest control is generally chemical and there is a 40% dependence on external inputs. All of the agricultural units use technical irrigation (drip and sprinkler), which is maintained at variable intervals. In most cases, they do not have access to agricultural credit, and if they do, it is mainly from private banks. Most of the agricultural units have only one marketing channel and the profitability of the crops is variable, with a range between 11 to 20 %, a little higher than the profitability of the farms, which is mostly between 1 to 10 %. Conclusions: For all the characteristics evaluated, the agricultural units differ from each other. In most of the AUs, the total assigned area is worked and there is diversified production. Drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation systems are used, organic fertilizers + fertilizers are mixed and chemical control is the most used against pests. The profitability of the crops is a little higher than with breeding.