DO PORONGO À CUIA: A CADEIA PRODUTIVA DA LAGENARIA SICERARIA EM SANTA MARIA/RS.

This article presents reflections that allow the understanding of the production chain of calabash in the city of Santa Maria (RS, Brazil). Thus, we aimed to recognize the role of family farmers who produce calabash and the different production processes that make up this chain. The research was organized into a set of methodological procedures. Initially, readings provided an understanding of the production chain, and then we focused on calabash production in the city of Santa Maria. Later, we undertook field visits to Arroio do Só, calabash producing area. Finally, based on the selected literature, we organized the data of that production chain. Despite its economic importance to the people involved, calabash has little or no visibility for the city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]