IPN Launches Initiative for Food Security

To improve nutrition and health in communities in Morelos, Querétaro, and Tabasco, the IPN coordinates a project to train families in sustainable agriculture for self-sufficiency

Enrique Soto

Through a scientific project developed at the Centro de Desarrollo de Productos Bióticos (CeProBi), which involves the implementation of Agroecological Production Units for Family Self-Sufficiency, the Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN) aims to address food security in communities in Morelos, Querétaro, and Tabasco. The project offers training to families so that sustainable agriculture becomes an alternative to improve their nutrition and health.

The project is coordinated by CeProBi scientist Elsa Ventura Zapata, with participation from researchers at the Colegio de la Frontera Sur (Tabasco branch), the Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, and the Centro de Investigación en Ciencia Apli[1]cada y Tecnología Avanzada (CICATA), Querétaro Unit, of the IPN.

Dr. Ventura Zapata, who specializes in Plant Physiology and Biotechnology and has 30 years of experience in in vitro and hydroponic (soilless) cultivation of plants of nutritional and medicinal interest, noted that various studies show a high prevalence of food insecurity in indigenous and rural households, particularly affecting the elderly population.

The project includes the creation of three agroecological production units, which will serve as training centers on the health and nutritional value of food, organic farming, conventional and automated hydroponics, integrated pest and disease management, and the Low-Intensity Aquaponic System (SABI) (cultivation of plants and fish). The objective, she emphasized, is to promote family self-sufficiency, protect the environment, and transition these populations to a healthy, nutritious diet.

PROJECT INCLUDED IN PRONACES

Ventura Zapata highlighted that the project has been part of the National Strategic Programs (Pronaces) under the National Council of Humanities, Sciences, and Technologies (Conahcyt) since 2021, in the area of Food Sovereignty. “The project was accepted because its results directly impact the communities,” she stated.

A multidisciplinary team of scientists specializing in food plants, ecology, sustainable development, marine sciences, and aquaculture, as well as information and communication technologies, digital systems development, and embedded systems applied to industry, participates in this initiative. “Undergraduate and graduate students conducting research as part of their theses also collaborate,” she added.

The academic institutions involved conduct various studies in their respective regions to identify the food needs of the populations, establish agroecological production units, and train families in the selected communities.

At CeProBi, scientists contribute their knowledge in nutrition and food production using agroecological techniques, including integrated pest and disease management and environmentally friendly hydroponics techniques.

In Tabasco, institutions created the Low-Intensity Aquaponic System and have significant experience in promoting a balanced diet. At CICATA Querétaro, their knowledge and research focus on precision agriculture, which is essential for implementing automated systems to monitor nutrition, climatic conditions, and water usage to enhance production efficiency.

Current agroecological production includes everyday vegetables such as Swiss chard, cilantro, chili peppers, peas, lettuce, celery, parsley, and tomatoes, which provide essential minerals, antioxidants, vitamins, and other nutrients.

TRAINING IN AQUAPONICS AND HYDROPONICS

Each training center will have greenhouse areas with modules for soil and hydroponic cultivation. “They will also feature a field classroom to teach about nutrition, diet, and how to address pests and crop diseases,” Ventura Zapata said.

Another module will include the Low-Intensity Aquaponic System. “Infrastructure at CeProBi (located in Yautepec, Morelos) and CICATA Querétaro is about 80 percent complete, and in Tabasco, it is about 90 percent complete,” she noted.

The Conahcyt has provided 2.9 million pesos in funding for the project since 2021, divided among the participating institutions.

Ventura Zapata concluded by emphasizing that this initiative reaffirms IPN’s social commitment to the most vulnerable communities. “I am pleased that through this project, we are transferring knowledge to communities and helping people overcome food insecurity,” she said.

Selección Gaceta Politécnica #175. (June 30th, 2024). IPN Imagen Institucional: Read the full magazine in Spanish here.