During 2022, four out of every ten producers in the Mexican countryside were between 45 and 65 years old, according to the 2022 Agricultural Census prepared by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi).
In addition, 27.1 percent are over 18 to 45 years old and 26.8 percent are over 65 years old. On the contrary, young people up to 18 years old represent only 0.1 percent.
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“The figures allow us to remember the importance of the participation of young generations in the countryside, as it strengthens the continuity of this sector. The economy of agriculture is the starting point of the entire supply chain of food and raw materials that nourish industries and sectors,” said Mauricio Márquez Corona, vice president of the Inegi Governing Board at a press conference.
However, the manager highlighted that among the main problems they have in carrying out their activity is an elderly or sick producer, and also that there are not enough hands to plant crops on agricultural land.
Susana Pérez, general director of economic statistics at Inegi, stated that the Census figures do not reflect an abandonment of the countryside, “this can be reflected with the large increase in protected agriculture, which means very high yields and that speaks of a rebound.”
They face high costs of inputs and services
The high costs of acquiring inputs or contracting services along with climatic factors are the main problems faced by farmers and the agricultural industry in general, the census revealed.
The organization detailed that eight out of 10 producers indicated that the high costs of inputs and services were the main problem they faced, which reduced production, productivity and sales.
Other problems that producers in the Mexican countryside faced are climatic factors, lower prices or decreased sales as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, loss of fertility in the soil, insecurity and transportation difficulties. .
Women lose participation in agriculture
In the last fifteen years, women’s participation in agricultural and field work has decreased.
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According to the statistical institute, the participation of women in agricultural and rural work decreased by more than three points from 2007 to 2022, going from 19.7 percent to 16.2 percent.
“In the last 15 years the workforce of women in the countryside has decreased. Their participation has increased, but in sectors such as services and commerce and even in public activity,” said Pérez Cadena.
2023-11-22 01:55:43
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