The Fig (Ficus carica L.) in Tatatila, Veracruz: A commitment to agricultural diversification and rural development

Abstract

Fig cultivation in Tatatila, Veracruz, faces several challenges that hinder its development and sustainability despite its potential and the efforts made by producers. These challenges include the lack of appropriate infrastructure for processing, storage, and packaging, which limits product quality and access to competitive markets; phytosanitary issues, such as branch diseases causing spots that affect tree health, requiring laboratory analysis and agroecological management strategies; limited access to inputs and tools, as producers often struggle to obtain materials needed for bioinput production like bokashi and calcium sulfate broth; dependence on local markets, with sales mainly conducted locally or directly, restricting export potential and opportunities for added value due to the absence of organic certifications and registered trademarks; and the need for continuous training, as the agroecological transition and product diversification demand ongoing learning to tackle new technical and market challenges. Despite these difficulties, fig cultivation in Tatatila holds significant potential to contribute to the region's economic and social development, particularly if strategies for training, marketing, and institutional support are reinforced.