A boost for family farming and the industrialization of potatoes in Peru
The Nueva Esperanza de Ranchopampa Agrarian Cooperative (Patala), in Huancayo (Junín), has begun sending 600 tons of native potatoes to the snack industry, with a contract valued at S/ 1.38 million. This agreement, facilitated by the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (Midagri) through Agromercado, represents a significant advance for small and medium producers in the region.
A first batch and a staggered delivery plan
The first shipment of eight tons, made up of the Cacho de Toro variety, marks the beginning of a distribution process that will extend until July of this year. During February, shipments will be every 15 days, while in March and April they will be intensified to a weekly frequency.
In July, with the harvest of the large May campaign, the total delivery of the 600 tons of native potatoes will be completed, including the Sumac Soncco, Cacho de Toro, Cceccorani and Huayro Macho varieties, highly valued for their quality for the production of snacks.
Production and origin of the native potato
The production comes from two key cooperatives in the region:
- 500 tons from the Sierra Central Agrarian Cooperative.
- 100 tons from the Nueva Esperanza Agrarian Cooperative of Ranchopampa.
These native potatoes are grown on 60 hectares distributed in peasant communities of Patalá, Cullhuas, Chicche and Pomamanta, within the districts of Cullhuas and Pucará, reaching an annual production of 700 tons.
The role of Agromercado and the “Mano a Mano” initiative
This achievement is part of Agromercado’s commercial articulation strategy, which seeks to improve the integration of small producers into the national and international market. The operation is part of the global initiative “Mano a Mano”, promoted by FAO and led in Peru by Midagri, with the aim of strengthening food security and promoting sustainable agricultural marketing models.
Impact on the industrialization of potatoes in Peru
The agreement with Tiyapuy, a snack company with a processing plant in Lima, represents an opportunity to promote the industrialization of native potatoes and strengthen their presence in the market. These types of initiatives not only increase the profitability of producers, but also promote the consumption of products originating in the country, giving greater visibility to Peru’s agricultural wealth.
A model to replicate in other regions
The success of this collaboration could serve as a model for other potato-producing regions in the country, consolidating Peru’s position as a leader in the production and export of native potatoes.
What do you think about this advance in the commercialization of native potatoes? Do you think this model can be replicated in other regions of the country? Leave us your comment!
