Morelos agriculture highlights female labor and native corn diversity

In the Mexican state of Morelos, women constitute 40 percent of the agricultural workforce, according to the Secretariat of Agricultural Development (Sedagro). While they are essential to food production and rural stability, officials noted that female workers continue to face structural inequalities, including wage gaps and limited access to land ownership.

Additionally, Morelos serves as a critical site for biodiversity, preserving 14 varieties of native corn. This represents approximately 23 percent of Mexico’s national diversity for the crop. These varieties, including ancho, pepitilla, and cacahuacintle, are cultivated across various municipalities such as Tepoztlán and Temixco.

The importance of these crops and the role of women in agriculture were highlighted during the Fifth Native Corn Festival of Morelos, titled ‘Milpa que une, mujeres que la sostienen’. The event recognized female farmers for their work in selecting, guarding, and exchanging seeds to preserve agricultural knowledge.