For centuries, potato farming in Peru’s highlands relied on traditional methods, limiting yields and market potential. Today, thanks to programs like Haku Wiñay under Foncodes (Peru’s Ministry of Development and Social Inclusion), more than 305,000 families have adopted modern techniques—from soil preparation and eco-friendly pest control to high-genetic seed production and value-added processing.
Technological Advancements Driving Change
- Improved Seed Varieties: Farmers now cultivate native potato varieties with higher resilience and yields, supported by technical training from yachachiq (field trainers).
- Eco-Friendly Practices: Biological pest control and organic fertilization have reduced crop losses by up to 30% in regions like Junín and Puno (Midagri, 2023).
- Value-Added Products: Entrepreneurs in Huánuco, Cajamarca, and La Libertad now produce potato flour, chips (chifles), and dehydrated products, increasing profitability.
Economic and Export Potential
Peru is the world’s 14th-largest potato producer, with 711,313 families engaged in cultivation across 19 regions (Midagri, 2024). The Andes account for 90% of production, with native varieties gaining global demand for their nutritional and cultural value. Farmers in Tarma (Junín), for example, now supply regional markets and explore international exports.
A Model for Sustainable Agriculture
Peru’s potato sector demonstrates how training, technology, and market access can transform subsistence farming into a competitive agribusiness. With continued investment in R&D and infrastructure, Andean farmers can further scale production, meet global demand, and strengthen food security.
