Characterization of growers and the marketing of pineapple in the rural community El Arbolito, Valencia municipality, Carabobo state (2007-2009)

Abstract

Pineapple   (Ananas   comosus   var.  comosus) is commonly cultivated by communities poor agronomic management with technological level, showing low yields per unit area and lower quality demanded by the market. A study was conducted in the community El Arbolito, Valencia municipality, Carabobo state with the participation of 15 farming families pineapple existing in the area, aiming to characterize the marketing in the local chain of this product during the years 2007-2009. There search was a descriptive-participative type. Field observations and interviews to obtain collective information about technical, organizational and marketing  were  made.  In  addition,  a  survey  to 100% of the population was applied. The physical characteristics of the fruits were evaluated, respecting the classification made by producers in the area as large, medium and small. Once performed the statistical analysis, the results show that 76% of households own plots between 3 and 20 ha. 73.3% of producers sell to intermediaries, truck or wholesalers and do not act directly in the marketing process. The result of physical quality analysis indicated that only two farms, the fruits exceed  1.8  kg.  However,  these are acceptable in the market but do not obey the classification by type, existing in the national quality standard for the product. Producers recognize the poor organization and participation in the process.