Current condition of native corn production in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico

La producción de maíz nativo en Saltillo, Coahuila

Abstract

Saltillo is the capital and the most populated city of Coahuila. Even the municipality has the largest established agricultural area in the southeastern region; in the 2023 production cycle, 70 % of the surface was damaged. Until 2021 year, 10,000 hectares have been planted; however, in 2022 and 2023, the area was reduced to 50 %. The decrease in surface occurred due to severe drought conditions. Ejidatarios have not harvested corn for at least the last three years and many have lost their seeds. Given the short supply of corn seed, there has been an increase in the area planted with sorghum, oats, and beans. We have observed that under this panorama, for the ejidatarios agricultural production ceased to be the main activity. However, we looked for selected producers to increase and preserve native corn seed.