Economic viability analysis of physalis production in the greenhouse as an income option for family farming

ABSTRACT

In a unit production of family farming with the predominance of polyculture, innovating and diversifying production can increase profitability and reduce the risks of maintaining in the activity. In this context, this paper aimed to analyse the return expectations and risks associated with implementing a protected environment for the production of Physalis (Physalis peruviana L.) in a small rural property located in the Southwest region of the state of Paraná. For this, the initial investment, operation and maintenance costs, expected return, associated risks, and sensitivities inherent to the production of Physalis in a protected environment were detailed. For data collection, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, individual virtual interviews were carried out with producers and companies, using a semi-structured script. For the economic feasibility analysis, was applied the expanded multi-index methodology (EMIM) and evaluated the need for a risk analysis via Monte Carlo simulation. The calculations of the EMIM indicators and graphs were performed using the open-access software SAVEPI. The results indicated that the agricultural investment project (AIP) is profitable over a five-year horizon. It is expected a financial return of around RS 33, 000.00 and low levels of risks and sensitivities. Therefore, this AIP is an economically attractive option for generating and increasing income for family farming. © 2021, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco. All rights reserved.