14:54 | Tarapoto (San Martin region), Aug. 8.
A total of 140 families from Alto Mayo area have joined a pilot project —led by San Martin Region Government— aimed at improving aji (Peruvian chili pepper) crops and promoting private investments linked to this natural product.
The mentioned families will plant 178 hectares and receive support from both a private company and San Martin's Sustainable Private Investment Promotion Department (OPIPS).
The private firm's support in the area will contribute to the production of different aji varieties in Moyobamba province.
It must be noted different types of Peruvian chili peppers (Tabasco, Cayena, and Habanero) are already being harvested in Rioja province.
Technicians from said company and San Martin Region Government currently provide technical support to the organized producers —who are capable of joining this public-private partnership— as well as technology transfer, genetic material, and export trade complying with quality standards.
San Martin Region Vice-Governor Rotland Reategui affirmed this is a great opportunity for producers to achieve economic independence without having to wait for the National Government's investment.
The official highlighted the hard work of the Alto Mayo Public Technological Institute, which installed a grinding plant for the primary processing of Peruvian chili peppers grown in the region.
Likewise, producers and other farmers will be able to plant organic aji varieties associated with
cacao and
coffee crops.
Potential zones will be identified according to land use, taking into account ecological, productive, investment, and social aspects.
The plan is innovative and will boost new initiatives to expand aji planting in the Alto Mayo area. Thus, both quality and performance will be improved within the following months.
(END) MAO/DTK/RMB/MVB
Published: 8/8/2018