Mexico: Lack of manpower for potato harvest in Sinaloa

The potato harvest in northern Sinaloa faces a labor shortage because the surface area has increased to 17 thousand hectares and there are not enough day laborers who have decided to travel to work in the region. 

 Jorge Benjamín López Rosas, president of the potato producers in  Northern Sinaloa,  explained that the harvest is becoming more widespread, and that there will be a greater demand for labor starting in March. 

"Demand, supply and demand, is greater, since this year we are bringing in a larger surface area than we had before, which increases the need for labor. About 7,000 workers or even more are required, including both foreign labor and personnel from local communities, which generates important employment opportunities in the region," he explained.

Water problems

In addition to the challenges in hiring, the producer highlighted  other factors that influence the activity , such as the problem of water. Despite this, yields of between 29 and 31 tons per hectare have been recorded in approximately 2,000 hectares already harvested.

 As for irrigation systems, sprinkler methods predominate, although the frequency and amount of irrigation vary according to the specific needs of the crop.

He said that prices in the field have remained low, fluctuating between 11 and 12 pesos per kilo for market potatoes, while contracted potatoes are around 9 to 10 pesos.