Economic evaluation of the passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims F.) production in the northern region of the state of Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

The purpose of the research was to determine, through the calculation of net present value and internal return rate, the viability of the production of passion fruit yellow (Passiflora edulis Sims f. flavicarpa Degener) production in the North Region of Rio de Janeiro State, as well as to identify, using the Monte Carlo Method, the risk that activity. Specifically, determines the production costs and the profitability of the investments in this activity. The absence of a efficient management of the production costs and the use of inadequate productive processes are the main problems in the production of passion fruit. Other important factors are plagues and illnesses, inefficiency of the production resources and instability of the product prices in the commercialization process. These factors have affected directly the quality of the fruits, the productivity, and, as a result, caused a reduction in the profitability of this activity. Partially, the price instability can be minimized with the irrigated production, planned to be harvested in the periods of higher prices, and with a better management of the production costs, which serves as a reference in the prices negotiation with the industries.