Comparative analysis of three economic scenarios for a solar pineapple dehydration plant
Keywords:
Pineapple, Solar dehydration, Organic food, Financial viability, Family business, VeracruzAbstract
Worldwide, approximately one-third of annual food production is wasted, and pineapple is a prominent example, facing challenges due to its low cost and limited shelf life. A promising solution to reduce this waste is pineapple dehydration, a proven method to extend shelf life and increase their value. However, conventional dehydrators raise production costs, impacting the economic viability for producers. To overcome this barrier, an innovative alternative based on the use of solar energy for the dehydration process is proposed. This study assesses the technical and economic feasibility of implementing a solar-powered pineapple dehydration plant in Alvarado, Veracruz. The methodology includes a comprehensive production analysis and an evaluation of three different economic scenarios, designed to measure the financial performance of the investment. The scenarios include a baseline case scenario, with a full initial investment, and two alternative scenarios with staged investment strategies to facilitate the project's gradual implementation. The economic analyses were conducted using parameters such as Net Present Value (NPV), payback period, and Internal Rate of Return (IRR), based on 2019 USD, ensuring comparability with 2024 data. The results show that the baseline scenario offers the highest return, at 175%, surpassing scenario 2 (162%) and scenario 3 (121%). Although high initial costs may be a barrier to widespread adoption, scenarios 2 and 3 represent more accessible options for small and medium-sized enterprises. This approach not only addresses sustainability, but also presents a viable economic growth opportunity in the agricultural sector. The research highlights the potential of solar energy to reduce food waste and improve the economic viability of producers, contributing to a more resilient and sustainable future for the agricultural industry.
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