Feasibility study of pitahaya (Hylocereus undatus (Haworth) D.R. Hunt) production in the Mixteca Poblana region

Resumen

Objective: To conduct a pitahaya production feasibility analysis in Tepexi de Rodríguez, Mixteca Poblana region, Puebla.

Design/Methodology/Approach: Twenty local producers were subjected to a panel technique. The research took place from May to June, 2023. The results were used to determine main economic indicators such as internal rate of return (IRR), net present value (NPV), and benefit-cost ratio (BCR).

Results: The plantation was established less than 6 years ago. Pitahaya cultivation is profitable. The NPV was >0 (MXN$302,361.58), while the IRR recorded 28.29% —a percentage higher than the discount rate. Meanwhile, the BCR reached 1.35: for every MXN$ invested, a profit of MNX$0.35 was obtained.

Study Limitations/Implications: The lack of customers that guarantee the purchase of the fruit before or during the harvest is a limiting factor.

Findings/Conclusions: Finding commercialization channels and transformation processes for specific markets is very important. In addition, increasing the demand and improving the commercial positioning of pitahaya is fundamental. Pitahaya can be grown in different areas and its consumption benefits make it a feasible and profitable crop.