Viability of the open-pit cultivation of bell peppers in Meoqui, Chihuahua

Chili bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) has its origin in South and Central America, domesticated in Mexico (Mendoza, 2010), and is part of the small genus of tropical herbs. In Mexico, there is a lack of sufficient economic information about the production costs of the chile bell pepper crop; however, it is considered an economic alternative due to the low input costs it requires. The objective of this study was to determine the economic viability of this crop in a plot established in the municipality of Meoqui Chihuahua, Mexico, where the costs of cultural activities and necessary inputs were collected from land preparation, establishment of the plantation until harvest, and the financial indicators net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR) and the benefit-cost ratio (B/C) were considered. A B/C ratio of 1.26 was obtained, an IRR of 22%, higher than the discount rate (12%), which indicates viability.