Potato farmers from the Belén Settlement in the district of Tacuaras, Ñeembucú, received inputs and advice on seed production and sanitation.
For the current harvest, the seeds had been provided by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and the Faculty of Sciences, Technologies and Arts (CTA) of the National University of Pilar (UNP).
With the technical support and the interest of the producers, the next crops will use locally produced seeds. The varieties selected for the area are Spunta and Atlantic. They adapt to adverse weather conditions and soil characteristics. A hundred producers participated in the first experience and it is estimated that this number will multiply, considering the good results achieved despite the drought.
For decades, in Ñeembucú alternatives have been sought to replace the cotton that was the main income item for farmers in the area. The potato, due to the results achieved, represents a hope for the producers.
The item that is currently cultivated in an experimental way, is in great demand for its daily use in the food of Paraguayan families. Farmers are waiting for the support of the public sector to consolidate this crop.
