The National Institute of Agricultural Innovation (INIA) of the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Irrigation (MIDAGRI) reported that it had made available to producers in the region of Cajamarca and throughout Peru, a new high-genetic-quality potato variety that will increase productivity per hectare.
“This is the Inia 333 Chugayna potato variety, which, thanks to its high genetic quality, yields 47 tons per hectare. In addition, its vegetative reproduction system (clonal propagation) guarantees its stability practically by 100%. This will benefit the producer’s economy.”
“Another characteristic is its ability to mature. Unlike other varieties, the Inia 333 Chugayna can reach its harvest level between 110 and 130 days, as well as generating 21% dry matter. Its genetic makeup makes it tolerant to major pests and diseases.”
The Inia 333 Chugayna has a wide range of adaptation, that is to say, it can be sown from sea level up to 4,000 meters above sea level, in rainfed and irrigated conditions, especially in the inter-Andean valleys, where producers sow potatoes all year round. This potato variety has an elongated oval shape, shallow eyes, and a cream interior color with good texture, making it ideal for fresh eating culinary activities. It measures 5.96 cm, has a 0.07 standard deviation, and a 1.19% variability coefficient in the first campaign.
“Thanks to these characteristics, Inia 333 Chugayna is a good alternative for producers in the Cajamarca region and other areas of the country to improve their yields, the quality of their harvest, and to strengthen their family and organizational economy.”
The Inia 333 Chugayna potato variety is the result of research carried out by INIA’s Baños del Inca Agricultural Experimental Station. Researchers carried out analyses based on characteristics established by the International Union for the Protection of New Plant Varieties (UPOV), methods of planting in furrows, evaluation of measures, dispersion, and variability, among others.
The research involved the participation of the Northern Consortium INIA – CIP – AP, technicians from the Pataz Association, the National Roots and Tuberous Program, and researchers from the International Potato Center – CIP.
More than 40 potato varieties with high genetic quality have been developed by the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (MIDAGRI), which have been increasing the yield per hectare by 80%, favoring economy of more than 700 thousand families throughout the country.
These varieties, produced by MIDAGRI through the National Institute of Agrarian Innovation (INIA), have horizontal genetic resistance to the main pests, have high concentrations of iron, zinc and potassium, essential elements for nutrition and the fight against anemia, as well as as good amounts of antioxidants that help prevent cellular degeneration and certain types of cancer.
These characteristics make these varieties offer good productivity in the field, obtain fruits with better conditions for nutrition, gastronomic activity due to their good cooking, better quality for industrial production and competitiveness for agro-export.
One of the varieties developed by INIA-MIDAGRI is the Kulli potato, which is characterized by containing high levels of antioxidants to prevent certain types of cancer, it has a good amount of iron and zinc, and due to its purple color it is ideal for making soft drinks, juices, among others.
Another variety is the INIA 330 potato, which was developed by INIA-MIDAGRI in the Puno region. Due to its high genetic value, this variety offers a harvest between 20 to 30 tons per hectare, has good resistance to frost and drought, in addition to being ideal for the processing of tunta, soft drink and chuño.
Added to them is the Shulay variety, which has suitable characteristics for industrial processing and the preparation of potato sticks or for crispy fries. It has high yield potential in the field, managing to produce between 25 to 35 tons per hectare per campaign.
Among others are Poderosa, Pallayponcho, Kawsay, Serranita, Amarilis, Pallay Poncho, Roja Ayacuchana, Wankita, Shulay, Venturana, Altiplano, Anteñita, Tocasina, Puca Lliclla, Chucmarina and Colparina, which due to their good genetic composition are ideal for production. of healthy potatoes, flakes, fried potatoes for chicken shops and in various stews of Peruvian cuisine.
The potato represents the food security and sovereignty of the Peruvian population. Currently more than 320 thousand hectares are cultivated. It provides large amounts of vitamin C, as well as iron, zinc, potassium and phosphorus, which help combat anemia, malnutrition, and promote the nervous system and bone formation.
The INIA-MIDAGRI, through the Genetic Improvement and Innovation Program, has been generating technologies to strengthen the quality of the potato by generating high-quality, biofortified and functional varieties that allow increasing per capita consumption, improving the profitability of the crop and the quality of life of producers.
