Mexico (Sinaloa): Potato harvest progresses with low yields after low temperatures affected crops

The potato harvest is progressing steadily in northern Sinaloa, with fields in different stages and an intense mobilization of workers dedicated to the tasks of collecting, classifying and transporting the tuber.

According to some producers in the region, it is estimated that 40% of the land has already been harvested. Projections suggest that the work will be completed between April 10 and 15.

Luis Antonio Hernández, field manager at Agrícola 7 Cerros, indicated that "we are tentatively considering closing around that date, probably in about a month."

However, climatic conditions have generated some variability in crop development during this agricultural cycle. In particular, the absence of low temperatures during the growing season directly affected the size of the tubers.

This situation has also impacted yields per hectare, which show a significant reduction compared to the previous cycle. "Last year these fields yielded up to 45 tons per hectare; now we barely reach 30," he explained.

Despite these challenges, most of the production is still destined for the processing industry, which ensures its sale in the market. "We work primarily for the industry, especially for Barcel," Hernández explained.

In contrast, marketing in the fresh market faces greater difficulties, since the size of the tuber directly influences its price. In recent weeks, the largest potatoes reached a price of 18 pesos per kilogram, but prices have fallen to between 12 and 13 pesos per kilo.

The harvest has also increased the demand for agricultural labor. On some farms, local day laborers work alongside people from states like Chihuahua. In some cases, up to 180 workers are distributed between two plots to carry out harvesting and loading.

Although specialized machinery exists for this task, many producers still consider manual labor more efficient for potato cultivation. Ernesto Suárez Andujo, secretary of the Southern Fuerte River Farmers Association (AARFS), noted that the first months of the year see the greatest need for labor in agricultural areas. "January, February, and part of March are the months with the highest demand for vegetables. This decreases at the end of March and in April," he commented.

However, Suárez Andujo indicated that due to the potato harvest, work activity remains intense. "Yes, we’re at maximum capacity," he concluded.