Peru is proud to be the center of origin and cradle of thousands of varieties of potato —an ancient tuber that has fed humanity for centuries.
From snowy Andes to lush coasts, potatoes are grown indiscriminately in the mountains' towns, which host 95% of national production.
Among these varieties, "native or colorful potatoes" stand out —an invaluable treasure that Peru contributes to the world in terms of food security.
In terms of productivity, Arequipa and Ica regions stand out, with average yields of 33.5 and 32.2 tons/hectare, respectively.
Sustainable production
The growth of agricultural productivity is a key piece to meeting the sustainable development objective, according to the second statement of the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Zero Hunger. Yet many developing countries face increasing variability in crop productivity.
Crops
In Peru, more than 711,000 families of small producers, among 19 regions, grow potatoes.
The areas of greatest production are located in Puno, Huanuco, Cusco, Cajamarca, Huancavelica, and Junin regions. This crop not only nourishes the population but also energizes regional economies, generating more than 25 million wages per year.
"There is a large campaign, which begins with sowing in August and ends with harvesting in June. The small campaign (including risk) begins between July and August in Andean valleys. That mostly ends in December and January. The remarkable aspect is that potatoes are planted and harvested 365 days a year," the specialist indicated.
With approximately 3,000 varieties unique in shapes, flavors, colors, and textures, Peruvian potatoes have a great capacity to adapt to adverse climatic conditions.
"They have different vegetative cycles, skin colors, textures, flavors, and even culinary characteristics," he added.
Biodiversity
This biodiverse treasure not only feeds Peru but also contributes to global food security and offers endless culinary possibilities to delight palates around the world.
Currently, Peru exports around 10 potato varieties, mainly the yellow ones (pre-cooked and frozen), plus the native ones.
"Value-added varieties are shipped abroad in the form of colored chips to Europe, plus vodka made from two native varieties," he indicated.
Regional economy
Potatoes are not only potentially nutritious but also generators and driving forces of regional economies in producing areas.
Last year alone, more than 25 million wages were generated. Potatoes are sown from 200 meters above sea level, but native varieties are grown higher than 3,000 m.a.s.l.
Peru leads the production of this Andean tuber in Latin America, with a yield obtained last year equivalent to 5.4 million tons, according to
Midagri.