Peru (Huánuco): Overproduction of potatoes plummets prices and hits farmers

"A month ago, potatoes were sold at 30 or 40 cents per kilo, now we are buying them at 50 or 60 cents, but it is still not profitable," he says.

The problem is not exclusive to this region, as production in other parts of the country has also increased, saturating the market in Lima and other cities. “The entire region is affected, there is nowhere to take so many potatoes. In Lima they no longer want them because the markets are full,” adds Salcedo.

Economic losses and food waste

The drop in prices not only means less income for farmers, but also the loss of tons of produce. “Last month we threw away and gave away potatoes because nobody wanted them. If they are not sold in two or three days, they go bad and have to be sold at auction for 20 or 30 cents,” explains Salcedo.

The problem is aggravated by climatic conditions. Humidity and rain accelerate the decomposition of products. (Photo: Inforegión)

The problem is aggravated by the weather conditions. Humidity and rain accelerate the decomposition of products, forcing traders to sell at any price before they spoil. “If the cost of production is not covered, there is no profit, only losses,” the leader stresses.

Other vegetables are also affected

The crisis is not only affecting potato producers, but also those who grow other vegetables. Dominga Pablo, a producer at the Puelles Collection Centre, says that the prices of vegetables such as cabbage, squash and rocoto have fallen dramatically. “A month ago, a sack of cabbage cost 60 soles, now it is 35. Red pepper has dropped from 3 soles per kilo to just 80 cents,” she says.

Farmers agree that overproduction and lack of planning have led to a collapse in the market. In addition, transport and fertilizer costs remain high, which worsens the situation. “Fertilizer is expensive, but our products are cheap. It is not enough for the farmer,” Pablo laments.

Farmers agree that overproduction and lack of planning have led to a collapse in the market. (Photo: Inforegión)A problem that extends to other regions

The crisis is not exclusive to  Huánuco . In Ayacucho, potato producers face the same problem: prices of up to 50 cents per kilo that do not cover production costs. For many, potatoes are their main source of income, and the drop in price puts their economic stability at risk.

Faced with this situation, farmers are demanding urgent solutions. Crop diversification, improved agricultural planning and the creation of strategies to regulate supply and demand are some of the measures that could mitigate the impact of this crisis.