Colombia’s Potato Production: A Key Agricultural Sector
Colombia is a prominent potato producer, cultivating approximately 110,000 hectares with an average yield of nearly 23 tons per hectare. Key regions contributing to this output include Cundinamarca, Boyacá, Nariño, Cauca, and Antioquia. The country’s annual production of 2.5 million tons not only satisfies domestic consumption but also underscores the economic importance of this crop.
Challenges Faced by Colombian Potato Farmers
Despite robust production figures, Colombian potato farmers frequently contend with diseases and pests that threaten their crops. Common soil-borne diseases such as Rhizoctonia have long been recognized, but newer threats like Verticillium and Rosellinia are becoming increasingly prevalent. These diseases, if not addressed promptly, can significantly reduce crop yields and quality.
The Need for Innovative Solutions
To enhance productivity and maintain high-quality harvests, farmers are increasingly vigilant about soil and seed-borne diseases. The economic impact of these diseases drives the continuous search for effective prevention and control methods. One such advancement is Syngenta’s Elatus, a fungicide recently introduced to the Colombian market.
Syngenta’s Elatus: A Game Changer
Elatus combines Solatenol with Amistar Technology, offering broad-spectrum control over various soil fungi that affect potato seeds. This fungicide protects against diseases like Rhizoctonia, Verticillium, and Rosellinia from the moment of planting, ensuring robust root development and uniform, vigorous crop establishment.
Claudio Muñoz, Director of Syngenta Andean Region, highlights the benefits: “With Elatus, farmers will achieve higher incomes by harvesting top-quality potatoes with greater yields, resulting in better prices for their produce. Additionally, by keeping disease inoculum levels below the economic damage threshold, Elatus ensures the long-term sustainability of potato farming.”
The introduction of Syngenta’s Elatus fungicide marks a significant step forward in the quest to optimize potato production in Colombia. By effectively controlling soil-borne diseases and enhancing crop health, Elatus helps farmers achieve higher yields and better quality potatoes, ultimately leading to increased profitability and sustainability in the agricultural sector.
