Miriti: o Açaí do Inverno? extrativismo, comercialização e consumo de frutos de Mauritia flexuosa L.f. no Estuário Amazônico

Abstract

To analyze the potential of miriti fruit extraction to riverine social reproduction and front biodiversity conservation to "açaização" of family production units (UPFs) the Amazon estuary, we undertook field research with 22 riverine families in Sirituba island Abaetetuba - PA, where the miriti extraction is still recurring. In search of driving used the case study as a methodological strategy, using the participant observation, application of semi-structured questionnaires, non-directive interviews and daily production during the 2015 harvest season (January-May), which made it possible to apprehend the practices used in this system, the social division of labor, the formation of marketing channels and the use of miriti in the daily diet. In order to know the eating of the fruit uses in Abaetetuba, we conducted interviews with mingauleiros of miriti and participant observation in the food court of the last two editions of Miriti Fest. The results revealed a vast knowledge on the part of riverine on miriti and the existence of a relationship of reciprocity between men and palm trees, which point to the conservation of the species. In the production aspect, we found the intense family participation in work with miriti which is held collectively, providing opportunities for the intergenerational exchange of knowledge, which favors the strengthening of tradition about the extraction of the palm. The economic potential of the activity was also evident, with strong demand for the fruit and its derivatives in Abaetetuba, the main market accessed by Sirituba extractive, are commercialized about 125 t. per month, short marketing circuits highlighting (for sale at the fair and on demand), which make possible an average monthly income above the minimum wage and average revenue per crop similar to the açai extraction. The food uses of fruit were recorded both in the rural context, which includes all meals significantly contribute to food security and sovereignty, as in the urban context, where it is consumed on a day-to- day, mostly in the form of porridge and reinterpreted makes if “party food” during Miriti Fest. Thus, we conclude that the miriti extraction is a traditional productive activity with the potential to ensure the riverine reproduction during the açai off season and contribute to biodiversity conservation if done sustainably. We add also the need for investments in public policies to encourage this practice and to strengthen the productive chain of miriti.