The Arequipa region in Peru is looking to increase its potato production

More than 8,000 hectares of potatoes are planted in the Arequipa region in Peru, especially in the sectors of the Tambo Valley, Majes and Arequipa, an extension that is expected to increase with an adequate agricultural planning, informed the regional manager of Agriculture, Jaime Huerta Astorga.

The official explained that for months, specialized technical personnel of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation and the Regional Management of Agriculture raised a diagnosis about the intention of sowing that farmers in the region have. This information will allow to prevent an overproduction of the tuber, as well as to increase its hectares of crop according to the demand.
 

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More than 8,000 hectares of potatoes are planted in the Arequipa region. (Courtesy: Andina)

The results of the survey will be known in the framework of the activities for the National Potato Day, which is celebrated on May 30, date for which various activities have been programmed.

Regarding the production of potatoes per hectare Jaime Huerta, said that it ranges from 35 to 40 tons per hectare, however, he indicated that there are some areas where production is higher, a situation that is expected to standardize in the short term, and thus increase the annual tuber production in the region.

In the Arequipa region the potato varieties that are most cultivated are: Única, Perricholi, Canchán, Serranita and Tomasa Tito Condemayta.

Jaime Huerta also indicated that they are promoting potato consumption during childhood to help fight anemia, given that specialists point out that the tuber contains carbohydrates that help reduce the disease.
 

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In the Arequipa region the potato varieties that are most cultivated are: Única, Perricholi, Canchán, Serranita and Tomasa Tito Condemayta. (Courtesy: Andina)

Regarding the per capita consumption of potatoes in the Arequipa region, the official reported that this has increased to 40 kilos per year. In 2017 the consumption was 35 kilos and in 2001 a person consumed 21 kilos a year. In other countries of the world, consumption is 80 to 110 kilos per year.

Finally, it was reported that the annual production of potatoes in the Arequipa region is almost 300,000 tons, 80 percent of which is for local consumption and 20 percent is marketed in other regions of the south.