Bolivia is set to revolutionize its potato industry with the opening of a state-of-the-art processing plant in El Alto. With an investment of 162 million bolivianos, this facility aims to reduce reliance on imported potato products and significantly enhance the value of locally grown potatoes.
The newly constructed plant boasts a remarkable storage capacity of 3,360 metric tons of potatoes and is equipped with four production lines designed to process a variety of potato-based products. Among these are mashed potatoes (1,027 metric tons), potato flakes (478 metric tons), starch (312 metric tons), and specialty products such as “Pringles”-type chips and frozen pre-fried potatoes, which have historically been imported primarily from Peru.
Luis Siles, the Deputy Minister of Industrialization Policies, emphasized the strategic importance of this facility in elevating the Bolivian potato industry. He stated, “Our Bolivian potato will now have added value.” The plant’s operations will not only create new economic opportunities for local farmers but will also enhance food security by replacing imports of processed potato products.
Addressing Import Dependency
One of the plant’s primary goals is to substitute imports of pre-fried potatoes, a product widely utilized by the country’s fast-food chains. Currently, these establishments rely heavily on Peruvian imports for their potato needs. With the new facility operational, fast-food outlets will have access to locally sourced potatoes, eliminating the need for imported products. Siles highlighted the significance of this shift, stating, “It’s the potato we consume when we eat hamburgers or fried chicken. Now, the preparations at these locations will no longer use Peruvian potatoes but Bolivian potatoes instead.”
This move aligns with Bolivia’s broader goals of boosting local agriculture and reducing import dependency. By focusing on processing and value addition, the government aims to create a sustainable agricultural sector that benefits local farmers while providing high-quality products to consumers.
The establishment of the potato processing plant in El Alto represents a pivotal step toward strengthening Bolivia’s agricultural landscape. By reducing reliance on imports and enhancing the value of local potato production, this facility not only supports farmers but also meets the growing demand for processed potato products in the national market. With a focus on innovation and industrialization, Bolivia is poised to transform its potato industry for the better.
