Estudio operacional y análisis financiero de la producción de tomate, lechuga y cilantrillo bajo sistemas hidropónicos en Puerto Rico

Abstract

The objectives of this study were establish a profile of operators and business administration function for tomato, lettuce and cilantrillo crops production in the hydroponics industry of Puerto Rico. Moreover, evaluate the financial position of operations. In a descriptive study 33 operations were evaluated, 6 in tomato, 13 in lettuce and 14 in cilantrillo, everyone managed by 23 operators. Around 96% of operators had some college or bachelor degree approved and 100% got training in the hydroponic technique. However, only 22% of operators were economically self sufficient of hydroponics production. The 61% of operations were organized as corporations and more than 87% were financed with government programs support. Financially the lettuce and cilantrillo crops show be feasible with returns on investment of 17% and 12.5% respectively. Conversely, tomato crop do not show be economically attractive in the hydroponic system with barely a 3% of return on investment.