The high-altitude Puna region of Belén in Catamarca, Argentina, is taking significant strides to revive one of its most emblematic ancestral crops: the Andean potato. As recently highlighted by El Ancasti, a collaborative initiative in the Villa Vil jurisdiction has successfully united local farming families with specialists from the National Agricultural Technology Institute (INTA). Their shared mission is to rescue and cultivate native potato varieties, effectively blending generations of traditional agricultural wisdom with modern technical expertise to boost yields without losing the essence of the region’s heritage.
The core of this project lies in a practical “crossing of knowledge” directly in the fields. During recent harvest days, producers and technicians worked side-by-side to evaluate the performance of traditional Creole varieties—guarded by Puna families for generations—alongside experimental seeds selected by INTA. Farmers were able to assess plant resilience against extreme high-altitude climates, tuber quality, and overall crop performance. Crucially, the initiative emphasizes the careful selection and storage of the best seeds for the next agricultural campaign, a vital step toward guaranteeing localized food sovereignty and independence from external seed suppliers.
Beyond improving agricultural metrics, this rescue effort carries profound social and cultural weight. Local authorities view the revitalization of the Andean potato not just as a means to stimulate the regional economy, but as an act of cultural resistance. By revaluing native Andean crops, the communities of the Puna are actively safeguarding the heart of their territorial identity, ensuring these vibrant, resilient tubers remain a staple of their agricultural legacy for generations to come.
(Source: elancasti.com.ar/noa-)
