#Agriculture #PotatoProduction #AgroIndustrialDevelopment #PeruAgriculture #SustainableFarming #CertifiedSeeds #MarketStrategies #GlobalAgriculture #Farmers #Agribusiness
In a significant stride towards advancing its agricultural landscape, Peru has enacted a pioneering law aimed at stimulating the industrialization of potatoes. This legislation, published in El Peruano on November 8th, is designed to create favorable conditions for investment, catalyze agro-industrial developments, and boost both local and export markets.
The Ministry of Agricultural Development and Irrigation (Midagri) plays a pivotal role in this initiative, promoting technical assistance for potato producers. Activities encompass improving production quality, technification, transformation processes, and crucially, identifying markets and financing alternatives. Senasa contributes by implementing a program to promote the use of certified seeds in potato cultivation, emphasizing the formation of associations among producers.
Mass awareness campaigns are also on the agenda, championed by Midagri, aiming to promote the consumption of Peruvian potatoes in diverse varieties, presentations, and derivatives. Furthermore, the Peruvian state is set to facilitate public or private financing programs in collaboration with regional and local governments, fostering the industrialization of potatoes.
Industrialization Statistics in Peru:
Peru stands as the leading potato producer in Latin America, boasting a production volume of 6 million metric tons in 2022.
90% of production is concentrated in the highlands, with a focus on native potato varieties.
The harvested area for potatoes spans 330,790 hectares, solidifying Peru’s continental leadership.
Potatoes are cultivated by 711,313 families across 19 regions, with major production hubs in Puno, Huánuco, Cusco, Cajamarca, Huancavelica, and Junín.
Globally, potatoes rank as the fourth most cultivated food, contributing significantly to the regional and local economy, especially in the high Andean zones.
Peru’s strategic move towards potato industrialization signifies not just an economic leap but also a commitment to advancing agricultural practices. The integration of certified seeds, technical assistance, and market-driven initiatives positions Peru as a formidable player in the global agricultural arena, promising sustained growth and prosperity for its farming communities.
