Some experts warn that growing avocados, one of the most popular fruits in the world, has such a high ecological cost that it can lead to ecological collapse in less than 50 years.
Among the main environmental impacts caused by the production of this fruit, the reduction of forest areas with their negative impact on the hydrological system, the widespread use of agrochemicals that cause soil and water pollution, soil erosion, reduction of genetic biodiversity, promotion of monoculture and reduction of available food.
Alejandra Blanco Macias, environmental biologist and teacher, explained that the expansion of avocado gardens has transformed the ecosystem of this state, losing most of its biological diversity, such as forests.
The state has lost about 50% of its natural vegetation, and most of this loss is due to avocados.
In the world there are more than 400 types of avocados that differ in shape, color and taste.
To meet demand, avocado producers, in addition to exploiting forest lands, use excessive use of chemical fertilizers for plants in order to optimize their productivity and achieve export quality.
According to researcher Jose Agustin Vidalles Fernandez, indiscriminate use of pesticides occurs in the Michoacan avocado zone: 450 thousand liters. insecticides, 900 thousand tons of fungicides and 30 thousand tons of fertilizers every year, which, among other things, pollutes aquifers.
According to the Center for Environmental Geography Research (CIGA) of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), 88% of permanent producers in Michoacán have various pollution problems, from regular to serious, associated with erosion, depletion of aquifers and pollution from the use of pesticides.
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- Also read about how the British boycotted ... avocados.
- New Zealand is shocked by the massive theft of avocados.
