A produção de hortaliças como alternativa de desenvolvimento sustentável no município de São João do Rio do Peixe - PB.

Abstract

Vegetable production presents itself as an alternative for sustainable development, by implanting in low productive areas and food production without the use of pesticides. The presente study objectified to analyze the production of vegetables in the municipality of the São João do Rio do Peixe – PB, with emphasis on ensuring food safety, income generation and knowledge dissemination of farmers about sustainable agroecological practices. The methodological strategies were observation and case study, as well as, image records of production systems and interviews through semistructured questionnaires with the five producers in the following locations: Site Olho D’água, Site Pavão and Alto da Bela Vista and the urban perimeter. The main vegetables cultivated are lettuce and cilantro due to the ease of commercialiation andthe fast economic return. The source of water used in the gardens comes from the artesian well and from rain, where 2 of the producers performed analysis and showed interest in to work with quality water. It was observed that the producers sought training for a better development in their cultivation, revealing the importance of technical assistance through public agencies. Regarding income from olericulture, 3 producers earn less than one minimum wage and 2 producers earn more than two wages, the olericultural activity presents as the main source of income for most producers. After analyzing the data, it was noted that the cultivation systems contribute to the food security of producers and consumers, income and insertion of some sustainable practices in vegetable gardens. However, there are still actions that must be implemented for production areas towards sustainability.