Governor Mauricio Kuri González has announced the possible construction of greenhouses dedicated to strawberry cultivation in Querétaro, using advanced irrigation systems. The project is being considered as part of the state's push toward diversification and modernization of agricultural production. While the governor only mentioned the initiative briefly, he confirmed that it is currently in a preliminary analysis phase: "Possible construction of strawberries with water," he stated during a meeting with the press.
The use of efficient irrigation technology aims to optimize water consumption in agriculture. Strawberry and other berry crops represent high value-added opportunities for local producers. Mexico is already one of the world's leading strawberry exporters, generating more than USD 600 million annually, mainly to the United States and Canada.
The implementation of greenhouses with advanced irrigation would allow year-round production regardless of climate conditions. This system can increase yields by up to 300% compared to open-field cultivation, while reducing water use by up to 40%.
Querétaro offers several competitive advantages for such projects: a temperate climate, strong logistical connectivity to national and international markets, and a workforce with experience in protected agriculture. The state also has expertise in high-value crops in municipalities such as Pedro Escobedo, Colón, and El Marqués.
The proposal aligns with Querétaro's sustainable agriculture strategy, focused on maximizing productivity and making efficient use of natural resources, particularly water. Planned drip irrigation and fertigation systems represent technologies already widely available in the market.
The project is also expected to have economic and social benefits, with potential to create direct and indirect employment in rural areas. Each hectare of greenhouse strawberries could generate up to 15 direct jobs during harvest, in addition to requiring packaging, transport, and commercialization services.
Governor Kuri added that more details on this and other agricultural projects will be shared as feasibility studies progress and investment mechanisms and government support schemes for interested producers are defined.
Source: rotativo.com.mx
