THE SILK PRODUCTION IN SAN PEDRO (PARAGUAY): IMPORTANCE AND CHALLENGES FOR FAMILY FARMERS

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to present silk production in Paraguay, with emphasis on the development of the activity in the Department of San Pedro, understanding the importance and the main challenges for family farmers. For this, a bibliographic review, systematization of secondary data and field research was carried out. In San Pedro, silk production began in 2014 with an agreement between the Italian company Seda y Fibras, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and the family farmers. For the latter, the activity became of great importance, being considered the main source of income for the farm. Nevertheless, some difficulties arise due to climatic problems, the expansion of soybeans and great dependence on the company. However, the main challenge was the suspension of the agreement and, consequently, of the silk production in San Pedro, generating a deep crisis among the farmers involved in the activity.