Cornfield importance in Guatemala

The cornfield, besides being a flower, is an agroecosystem. This means that it is an ecosystem that produces other seeds and its maintenance has been the source of work for farmers. As if that were not enough, the seeds given have been the basis of the Guatemalan diet and economy. 

Its benefits in the country do not end there, several social investment programs have been implemented because of the labor Guatemalans have done. Juan José Mayorga Gutiérrez has supported these programs that include: health, education, environment, biodiversity and infrastructure, since through more than 25 thousand people from neighboring communities have benefited.

Also read: Guatemala’s agriculture impact.

Cornfield importance in Guatemala

What is the milpa in Guatemala?

The milpa is said to be “a set of biophysical, economic and social components, connected or related in such a way that they form or act as a unit, a whole.”

The milpa is native to Mesoamerica. In other words, it covers a large part of the territory where the great indigenous civilizations learned to farm. The most abundant seeds were pumpkins, beans and, especially in the country, corn. In turn, chili stands out, but in other regions.

 

However, this agroecosystem is not exclusive to the fields. In fact, it can occur in different places under the right conditions such as homes, forests and orchards.

 

What does it mean to have a cornfield?

Within the Mayan worldview, and considering the meaning of “a single unit”, it is a representation of work and security to carry out other activities that generate income. At the same time, it represents the care of the biodiversity of the Guatemalan flora and fauna.

 

Currently, many families in the interior of the country grow corn as their only source of income. This can represent between six to nine months of consumption and waiting for the crop. 

Cornfields represent a huge importance for the country’s economy, the production and business involved at the local and global level is important for their development.