The uplifting context of innovation, encouraged by the rescue of indigenous traditions, and a modern vision of agriculture production consolidate Peru’s position as the largest producer of potatoes in Latin America, Propapa-ADERS Peru Project Director Celfia Obregon Ramirez affirmed.
She said the 4.69 million tons of tubers produced in 2014, placed the country in 14th place worldwide, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
However, she finds it important to boost consumption in the country, which currently reaches 85kg per person. "Our next goal is to increase annual consumption to 90kg per person, there is much work to be done and we will insist on that challenge," she said.
She pointed out innovation in the sector suggests a bright future for the development of agricultural area, due, in particular, to the introduction of new categories of processed products with their own brands, such as the native colored potato snacks.
More than 12,000kg of nearly 50 varieties have been marketed recently at the three-day Sixth Festival of Native Potatoes, a very remarkable figure considering they were direct sales of small producers to direct consumers.
In addition, they sold tens of thousands of snack units (40g and 100g bags) –made with colored potato pulp and produced by farmers living above 3,500 meters above sea level and who receive part of the profits from sales of a product with added value.
Obregon Ramirez expressed satisfaction with the results achieved in ten years of institutionalization, particularly over the last five years, period through which the organization of producers has been strengthened and consolidated.
(END) NDP/ASH/RMB/MVB
Published: 6/2/2015