For many years, methyl bromide, a fumigant that can deplete the ozone layer and is harmful to human health, was sprayed on soil before crops were grown in order to control soil-borne diseases. As part of a project to eliminate the use of methyl bromide, implemented by UNIDO in several states in Mexico, workers - especially women - have been trained in the use of alternatives to methyl bromide, such as the technique of grafting. The technique involves attaching the roots of a pest-resistant plant to the shoot or bud of the plant you want to grow. Maritza Paola Mejía, a grafter for the company Agropecuaria Malichita in Sonora, México, shares her story.

Grafting makes the plant stronger so, if we do it well, more plants will survive and produce fruit and vegetables. Grafting is good for Mexico too, because it helps to create sufficient jobs for people here. When there is enough work, our lands, our families and our children will all benefit.

Grafting has changed my life in many aspects. Because grafting is specialized work, my salary has improved a lot. Before, when buying a newspaper, I was worried if there would still be light at home, if there would be water. So I said, I will not buy this. Now, I am no longer stressed, and no longer think: "Oh, I will end up in the gutter!" I can buy basic things. And I can keep extra money I earn for the future, for my son, for when someone falls ill.

In grafting, you are not outside in the sun all day. Many workers here work on the fields or along the assembly line. Now I work inside the sheltered greenhouse for eight hours a day, and earn more money. People treat me well here; they give me one hour of lunch time.

Working as a grafter made me grow as a person. Even at my young age - I am 18 years old - I am taking care of my own needs, of my house, of my family. I grew in my career, too. I started as a grafter here at Malichita. I had been working here for the longest amount of time and learned quickly how to graft well, so now I work as a supervisor of the other grafters and I train them as well.

Now I see a future that will only get better each day. If I want to study, this job will help me to pay for it. Same goes for my son, when he goes to school. Because I like grafting, I want to become a qualified trainer in it - an agrochemical engineer.

Further reading:

Horticultural grafting boosts Mexican women while saving the ozone layer