La agricultura comercial: una adaptación sociocultural en Santiago Yeché

Abstract

Santiago Yeche commercial agriculture is based on the cultivation of tomatoes and gladiolus which is also based on irrigation. The irrigation system is formed by channels and it was built during Colonial times. Santiago Yeche’s peasant families introduced gladiolus cultivation in the 1970’s and tomatoes in the year of 1987. Planting these crops among a small group of families acquired popularity since that time and it has been growing to date. A series of new agricultural practices started from the farmer’s knowledge of their specific micro-environments and also from the management of natural resources surrounding the town. This knowledge included the plant’s cycle, the weather conditions and the market conditions. Basic production of corn, beans and oat in Santiago Yeche is mostly traditional and it is targeted for self supply. The farmers who are introducing commercial crops are still a minority; however, the study allows us to understand the social and cultural adjustments that are taking place at this moment.