Altitude and Agroecological Conditions in Production, Profitability, and Risks of Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa) Cultivation in the Highlands of Lima, Peru

Alberto Minaya Gutiérrez C.; Zully Vásquez Quispe C.; Joaquín Carazas Velazco E.; Orlando Chinguel Labán D.; Gianina Calixtro Zárate M. · Revista Portuguesa de Estudos Regionais (2026) · DOI: 10.59072/rper.vi74.837

Resumen

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a crucial legume as fodder for livestock, especially in high Andean regions. Despite its growing national importance, production remains limited by agroecological and climatic factors, mainly altitude. In this context, this study estimated the profitability and risks of alfalfa production in the district of San Andrés de Tupicocha, located in the highlands of Lima, Peru. To this end, surveys were conducted with producers during the year 2024, collecting information on yields, costs and risk perceptions. Profitability was analyzed using a stochastic Monte Carlo simulation of the Net Present Value (NPV), complemented by statistical tests comparing two zones with different altitudes and agroecological conditions. On average, the NPV/ha was S/159,555; with S/134,832 in the high zone (up to 4000 m.a.s.l) and S/188,286 in the low zone (up to 2500 m.a.s.l). The high zone showed a higher probability of economic losses, mainly due to frost and heavy rains. These findings suggest that, in order to improve productive efficiency and mitigate risks, it is necessary to implement strategies differentiated according to altitude and local agroecological characteristics. This differentiation will allow optimizing land use and available resources, favoring the sustainability of alfalfa production in the district.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina