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Abstract
The present work was carried out in 2008 with the objective of determining the alfalfa chain
research needs in the state of Hidalgo. The productive chain approach was used and the
following five steps were also carried out: i) Chain characterization, ii) Identification of
critical factors, iii) Identification of research demands iv) Identification of research supply and
v) Identification of research needs. Among the most outstanding results we have: the
development of an alfalfa chain conceptual model integrated by 6 links and 25 segments;
identification of 19 critical factors; identification of 17 demands including 12 regarding
research, validation, and technology transfer and 5 regarding design and policy strategies;
identification of 97 products supplied by research including 29% on varieties' generation and
validation, 15% on plague and disease control, 11% on efficient water usage, and 2% on cut
methods. In conclusion, 60% of the supply takes care of the identified demands, and needs
exist in: validation and transfer of high productive potential alfalfa varieties; generation of new
products, design of an updated catalogue regarding the main plagues and diseases that harm the
alfalfa culture as well as a control method; training and technology transfer regarding the
efficient irrigation water usage; design of agricultural machinery for alfalfa cut and packing,
and training producers on seeds production.