The Importance of Fruit and Vegetable Production in Chiapas: Challenges and Opportunities

Objective: To analyze the importance of growing fruits and vegetables in Chiapas, as well as the conservation of ancestral knowledge, and its contributions to food security and the economy. This analysis will discuss the challenges and opportunities of this sector. Design/methodology/approach: A review of literature related to the diversity of native and exotic species of commercial importance and self-consumption was conducted, emphasizing information that illustrates the challenges and opportunities in agricultural sectors. Results: A high diversity of native and exotic fruit and vegetable species was identified. Most of these species are used for self-consumption, which is related to Mexico's self-sufficiency economy, biocultural richness, and ecosystem services. These species are distributed in diverse ecosystems, including backyards, commercial orchards, and urban areas. Products of national commercial importance and export quality are scarce and face technological, social, and commercial challenges. Study limitations/implications: The results are relevant to species diversity, consumption, and commercialization, but these considerations may change if other environmental and technological variables are taken into account. Findings/conclusions: The diversity of edible vegetables in Chiapas is high and includes native and introduced species highly linked to society. Agricultural diversification strengthens food security and sovereignty in the state. There are species with marketing potential, but innovation is needed in production and processing to increase income through value added. There is a need to reduce food waste and innovate in terms of waste and the circular economy to reduce environmental impact. The strengthening of this sector requires the integration of the community, government and research.