PROFITABILITY OF POTATO (Solanum tuberosum L.) CROP IN THE SOUTHWEST OF STATE OF MEXICO

Abstract

With the objective of analyzing the profitability and competiveness of the potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in the southwest region of the State of Mexico, a Policy Analysis Matrix (PAM) was calculated for this crop during 2009. Results indicated a positive private profitability (0.88), the private cost ratio (PCR) was found at 0.27 and the added value within the total income was 0.67. Potato production in the year of study allowed payment of the market value of the internal factors, once the productive activity was profitable in terms of prices received and prices paid. Contrary to other years, one factor that influenced private profitability was the mean rural price, which increased by 52%, rising from 3.4 to 6.5 $ kg-1. Potato production is a profitable alternative for producers of the region in terms of generated income, as long as the conditions of favorable mean rural price per kilogram of potato are maintained.