Transformation of the piloncillo production systems in the Huasteca Potosina: the case of Cruztujub, Fracción Cruztujub and La Garza

Abstract

The piloncilleros of the Huasteca Potosina have ventured into various forms of production, from industrial piloncillo through cone processing to granulated production, with the objective of adapting to the market and improving income. This paper studies the existing piloncillero production systems in the localities of Cruztujub, Fracción Cruztujub and La Garza, Tancanhuitz, San Luis Potosí, with the objective of analyzing the piloncillo production strategies by the rural families of these localities as a way of adapting to the constant changes and requirements of the global market and thus, being able to give continuity to their activity. According to the results obtained, although improvements have been seen in the productive conversion of industrial piloncillo to granulated piloncillo, it is still insufficient to guarantee the socioeconomic reproduction of rural farming families, therefore, the members tend to conduct other activities such as the commercialization of agricultural products, day labor activities and professions. It is important that the corresponding entities promote the consumption of natural products made by farmers in order to boost the peasant family economy.