Socioeconomia e produção de graviola na região metropolitana de Santarém, Pará

Abstract

Among the fruit species produced by family farmers, soursop (Annona muricata L.) has been gaining national prominence with the increase in planted areas. However, some barriers still hinder its production, such as the difficulty in managing diseases and pests, and the culture itself. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate the socioeconomic profile of family farmers and the agronomic characteristics of soursop plantations in rural communities in the metropolitan region of Santarém, Pará, identifying the limits and possibilities of this culture for the region studied. Data collection was carried out through semi-structured interviews with 13 farmers, containing open and closed questions, from August to November 2022. The interviewed farmers received from one to three minimum wages (69%). Most of the interviewees were: male, married and with low education. The age range ranged from 29 to 82 years. Soursop was the main source of income for 15% of farmers, but it was already the basic recipe for 23% of respondents, being reported as an easily commercialized product. Fruit production was cited as an obstacle to the continuity of planting of the species. The biggest problems related to soursop are the borers, which reduce the production and consequently the death of the plants. Adequate technical assistance to assist farmers in cultivation would contribute to reinforcing the crop as a source of income, to supply the local market and improve the quality of life of farmers in the region. Without technical assistance, farmers even look for a solution to their problems on the internet. There needs to be more action by the competent bodies through public policies, offering farmers economic alternatives that are capable of valuing family farming and bringing improvements in the quality of life of these farmers.