Caña de azúcar en Veracruz México

Sugarcane has a deep history in Veracruz, Mexico, dating back to the colonial era and shaping the economy, culture, and lives of thousands of workers in the region. Below, I'll tell you about its history, the cultivation process, the harvest, and the lives of day laborers. History of Sugarcane in Veracruz 1. Pre-Hispanic and Colonial Periods: o Although sugarcane was not native to Mexico, the Spanish introduced it in the 16th century, taking advantage of Veracruz's warm and humid climate, which was ideal for its cultivation. o The first trapiches (rudimentary mills) were established in the region, using indigenous labor and, later, African slaves. 2. 19th Century and Sugar Boom: o With Mexico's Independence (1821), sugar plantations grew, especially in areas such as Córdoba, Orizaba, and southern Veracruz. o The industry was modernized with sugar mills (factories) such as the San Miguelito Sugar Mill and the El Modelo Sugar Mill. 3. 20th Century and the Revolution: o During the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920), many haciendas were expropriated, and the government promoted sugarcane ejidos (common lands). o In the 1930s and 1940s, with the agrarian reform, peasants received land, but production remained controlled by large sugar mills. 4. Present: o Veracruz is the main producer of sugarcane in Mexico, with more than 40% of the national production. o The main sugar mills are El Modelo, San Miguelito, La Gloria, and Tres Valles. Sugarcane Cultivation 1. Planting: o Sugarcane is planted mainly during the rainy season (May to November). o Cuttings (pieces of stem with buds) are used and planted in furrows. o It requires fertile soil, plenty of water, and sunshine. 2. Growth: o It takes between 12 and 18 months to mature. o Fertilizers are applied, and pests such as the stem borer are controlled. 3. Harvest (zafra): o The harvest runs from November to May. o It used to be cut by hand with a machete (still done in many areas), but now there are harvesting machines. o The cane is burned before cutting to remove leaves and scorpions, but this causes pollution. Sugarcane Day Laborers • Working Conditions: o Many workers are seasonal and migrant (including from Guatemala). o Exhausting hours (10-12 hours a day) under intense sun. o Low wages (around 200-200-300 MXN per day). • Social Problems: o Lack of social security. o Exposure to burns, scorpion stings, and respiratory illnesses from burning smoke. o Child labor (some children help with harvesting). Economic and Environmental Impact • Economy: o Sugarcane generates thousands of jobs, but many are precarious. o Sugar mills produce sugar, alcohol, and molasses for export. • Environment: o Sugarcane burning pollutes the air. o Excessive water use affects aquifers. Conclusion Sugarcane in Veracruz is an emblem of wealth and exploitation. Although it has been key to the economy, day laborers face difficult conditions. Today, there are efforts to improve mechanization and reduce burning, but the road is long.