Introduction of CIP Poderosa Crocante, CIP Poderosa Watia, and CIP Poderosa Pollera Marks Significant Advancement in Potato Cultivation
As reported by potatobusiness, the International Potato Center (CIP) has recently unveiled three new potato varieties: CIP Poderosa Crocante, CIP Poderosa Watia, and CIP Poderosa Pollera. These innovative cultivars were developed in collaboration with Poderosa S.A., a mining firm committed to sustainable agricultural practices.
The new potato varieties boast high dry matter content and low reducing sugar concentration, along with robust resistance to Phytophthora infestans, the pathogen responsible for late blight. This development is particularly significant for smallholder farmers, as it allows them to reduce their reliance on agrochemicals and enhance their yields.
Benefits for Farmers and Consumers
These novel cultivars promise substantial benefits for both farmers and consumers. Farmers will be less exposed to fungicides, reducing health risks and production costs, while consumers will enjoy potatoes with lower levels of acrylamides and glycoalkaloids. These features not only improve food safety but also support family-sustainable farming systems, offering a healthier and more environmentally friendly option.
CIP experts highlighted the economic advantages, noting, “Their economic profitability is enhanced by lower production costs due to reduced fungicide use compared to control varieties. These varieties offer healthier and more sustainable options compared to popular Peruvian potato varieties, promoting improved living standards for potato producers in Peru and other developing countries.”
Collaborative Efforts and Funding
The partnership between CIP and Poderosa S.A. emerged from a mutual recognition of the need for improved potato varieties. Poderosa, located in Peru’s La Libertad region, actively engages in sustainability programs and corporate social responsibility initiatives aimed at fostering the sustainable growth of farming communities. This collaboration led to the creation of late blight-resistant varieties in response to consumer demand.
The new varieties result from the “Selection of potato clones suitable for industrial processing and baking, resistant to late blight, and producing high-quality phytosanitary tuber seed project.” This project is sponsored by the Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia e Innovacion del Peru (CONCYTEC) and funded by Minera Poderosa Company under Law 30309, which incentivizes scientific research, technological development, and innovation through tax benefits for corporate partnerships with research organizations.
Licensing and Distribution
The new potato varieties are available for licensing to certified seed producers registered with the Peruvian Seed Authority (SENASA). CIP has applied for plant variety protection under UPOV and Peruvian law, enabling it to issue commercial production licenses. Licensees are required to provide seed to smallholder farmers at preferential rates and contribute financially to the Benefit Sharing Fund of the International Plant Treaty, which supports conservation and sustainable use projects in the global south.
The dissemination strategy is in line with Peruvian national priorities, focusing on making high-quality seed available and affordable to farmers.
Community and Government Support
Acknowledgment is extended to local governments such as the District Municipality of Chugay and the Provincial Municipality of Sánchez Carrión in the La Libertad region, as well as farmers from Huánuco, Junín, Arequipa, and Cajamarca, who participated in field research.
