Posibilities of Introducing Pitaya Farming in Frías (Ayabaca - Piura)

Abstract

Pitaya (Hylocereus peruvianus Backeb.) is an epiphytic wild cacti specie that grows in deciduous forests of northwestern Peru. It can be found in the district of Saña (Chiclayo-Lambayeque), Piura and Tumbes; however, they are not exploited in their natural state. The specie is considered a promising commercial crop due to its high nutritional value, medicinal properties and its elevated price in the national and international market. For people that are involved in this activity along the value chain, it may also improve their quality of life. Therefore, the cultivation and commercialization of pitaya is proposed as a strategy to create jobs, promote better consumption patterns and this, overall, improve the population’s quality of life in the district of Frias (Ayabaca-Piura) that will eventually lead to broader territorial development processes.