SOCIOECONOMIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL FACTORS IN SUGAR CANE (Saccharum officinarum L.) AGROECOSYSTEMS PRODUCTION IN CHONTALPA, TABASCO

Abstract

Sugar cane is one of the main crops in the state of Tabasco, Mexico, with a planted area of 27,041 ha, contributing 4 % of the national sugar production and ranking third in acreage at national level. This research aimed to identify main socioeconomic and technological factors influencing yields in sugar cane at Benito Juarez sugar mill factory (BJSMF). A total of 150 growers were interviewed, whose information was analyzed with descriptive statistics. Relevant socioeconomic characteristics were age (51 % growers were 50 to 70 years old); school attendance (40 % coursed primary school); lack of family labor, among others. Relevant technological issues were the higher yields in a smaller area planted with variety MEX 79-431, mean yields ranged from 50 to 60 t ha-1, commonly applied fertilizers are based on the formula known as triple 17 by 30 % of growers and the 20-10-10 fertilizer mix is used by 26 %. The lack of technical advisory access was reported by 58 % of them.