THE CORN (Zea mays L.) IMPROVED SEED MARKET IN MEXICO. AN ANALYSIS OF THE COMMERCIAL BALANCE BY STATE

An overview of the market situation of improved maize (Zea mays L.) seeds in Mexico is described here, based on estimation of the consumed quantity for this input. Total consumed quantity was compared with production of improved seed to determine the commercial balance (deficit and surplus) in each corn-producing area. Information collected from every state containing surface production, plant density and yield, as well as production cycles, hydrologic regimes and corn varieties, was used. Results indicate that from 2008 to 2010 the annual average of consumed seed was 160.2 thousand tons, of which 42.5 % was improved seed and the remainder came from local varieties. Annual production of improved seed was 62.5 thousand tons, resulting in a deficit of more than 90 thousand tons. Commercial balance analysis indicates that 26 states have a deficit for improved seed, and the largest deficit occurs in Chiapas, Puebla, Oaxaca, Veracruz and Mexico State, exceeding 10 thousand tons per every state. Since maize productivity depends greatly on the quantity of inputs, improved seed production should be promoted to cover the national deficit, as well as support should be provided to small seed companies to prevent the existence of an imperfect market structure.