Factores socioeconómicos, productivos y fuentesde información sobre plaguicidas para productores de Fragaria x ananassa en Cañete, Lima, Perú

Abstract

Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch), a product for fresh and direct consumption is moderately profitable, represents a development alternative to farmers with limited resources, because it is attractive to both local and international markets and it implies a low economical risk. This study was developed in the zone of influence of the Palo Herbay Canal irrigators commission, choosing a random representative sample of farmers, whom fulfilled surveys and were interviewed to obtain information about socioeconomic and productive factors and sources of information available for them to make decisions, mainly focused on the modes of advisory about the use of pesticides. The results indicate that strawberry farmers have their own capital, sell their production in field to wholesalers and intermediaries to supply the national market, mainly to fresh consumption. The principal source of information available for them about the use of pesticides are sellers of the agrochemical companies, usually by a free visit of a technical advisor to their fields and free briefings. The study of sources of information y modes of advisory to the farmers shows an absence of agricultural extension field work from the government in the research area. In conclusion, agrochemical sellers replace government institutions, fulfilling their function as sources of information, but their work is centered in commercial dealings and do not represent a real agricultural extension service.