Applied sciences  
Estimation of Processing Times and Economic Feasibility of Producing _Moringa oleifera_**Lam. Capsules in Mexico**  
[PERSON] 1,2,t,c, [PERSON] 1,c, [PERSON] 3, [PERSON] 3, [PERSON] 3, [PERSON] 4 and [PERSON] 1,*,t  
Instituto Tecnologico Superior de Misantia, Tecnologico Nacional de Mexico, Km 1.8 Carretera a Loma del Cojolite, Misantia CP 93821, Mexico; [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (E.D.-P.); [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (R.A.M.-A.)  
Division of Graduate Studies and Research, Universidad Euro Hispanoamericana, Av. de los Alamos 1, La Pradera, Xalapa-Enriquez CP 91097, Mexico  
Instituto Tecnologico de Orizaba, Tecnologico Nacional de Mexico, Avenida Oriente 9, No 852, Orizaba CP 94290, Mexico; [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (M.E.G.-R.); [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (O.B.-S.); [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (M.J.H.-R.)  
Instituto Tecnologico Superior de Xalapa, Tecnologico Nacional de Mexico, Seccion 5A Reserva Territorial S/N, Xalapa CP 91096, Mexico; [EMAIL_ADDRESS]  
Correspondence: [EMAIL_ADDRESS]  
These authors contributed equally to this work.  
The results contributed to improving productivity in the processing of _Moringa oleifera_ capsules, addressing an area of knowledge with limited research. This model can be used by new companies intending to invest in this area of agricultural products for human consumption. The results indicated that production is feasible at a commercial level.  
The production of _Moringa oleifera_ capsules has emerged as a promising agricultural activity in Mexico, driven by the plant's well-documented health and nutritional benefits. In response, farmers have begun producing _Moringa oleifera_ as a dietary supplement, using artisanal methods with minimal production controls. This study aimed to estimate the processing times of the _Moringa oleifera_ production system using simulation modeling with Arena@ software and to evaluate the economic feasibility of capsule production. Methodologically, it was approached as a case study in the state of Veracruz, and processing times were estimated through systematic sampling and modeled with Arena simulation software. Three simulation scenarios were considered to select a technically and economically viable alternative for agricultural producers, as follows: one with a 200-capsule encapsulator (1E200C), another with two 200-capsule encapsulators (2E200C), and a third with an 800-capsule encapsulator (1E800C). For the initial diagnosis, a research stay was conducted for 180 days, and the production capacity was set at 24,000 capsules due to raw material limitations. Results indicated that the 1E800C scenario reduced processing time by 60% compared to the 1E200C scenario and by 35% compared to the 2E200C scenario. Additionally, the 1E800C model required only Arena simulation software version 162 days (16 h) of work, while the 2E200C required 4 days (32 h) and the 1E200C required 7 days (56 h). In terms of production costs per unit of 90 capsules, the 1E200C was USD 3.93, the 2E200C was USD 3.64, and the 1E800C was USD 3.45. This study concluded that due to raw material limitations, the company can produce 12,800 units of 90 capsules per year. It is recommended to adopt the 1E800C encapsulator, which would lower the overall production costs by 12.23%, representing USD 0.48 per unit produced and resulting in an additional profit of USD 6150.50. Over a five-year evaluation period, the benefit-cost ratio was 5.03, the NPV was 922,370.11, and the IRR was 42.09%, indicating that this type of agribusiness in Mexico is both technically and economically feasible.  
modeling in agriculture; Zero Hunger; value-added agriculture; food processing; simulation; food supplements; rural development