Peru (Ayacucho): Overproduction of potatoes causes millions in losses for farmers

The Ayacucho region is experiencing a serious agricultural crisis due to overproduction of potatoes, which has caused a drastic drop in prices of the tuber and, as a consequence, huge losses for local farmers. Currently, the wholesale price of potatoes does not exceed 50 cents per kilo, an amount insufficient to cover production costs.

Market saturation, especially in places like the Las Américas market in the San Juan district, has created an oversupply that has driven prices to alarmingly low levels.

• Juan Carlos Mendoza, a producer in Chiara-Huamanga, said: "We are selling at 50 cents per kilo, but that does not cover the costs of harvesting, transport or labor."

For many farmers, who depend on this crop as their main source of livelihood, this crisis is threatening their economy. Auberto Morote, president of the Agrarian Federation, warned about the serious situation faced by producers, who are forced to sell at ridiculous prices, hoping to at least recover part of their investment.

The situation is complicated by the lack of access to wider markets and the low purchasing power of local consumers. Although some try alternatives such as selling processed potatoes or exporting them, the local market remains the main source of income for farmers, who are forced to sell at low prices.

Víctor Calderón Pillaca, head of the Agricultural Information and Economic Studies Directorate of the Agriculture sector, said that the lack of control over production and poor agricultural planning are deepening the crisis.

• "The lack of policies to regulate potato production and trade, coupled with minimal investment in agricultural technology, is seriously affecting farmers," he said.

Faced with this difficult situation, farmers are calling for urgent support from regional and national authorities. The proposed solutions include the creation of potato storage programs, improving infrastructure for transporting potatoes, and promoting derived products to increase demand. If urgent measures are not taken, overproduction will continue to affect small and medium-sized producers in the region.