Argentina: The potential of Rio Negro in potato production

To understand the current situation and the potential of this crop in the province, we interviewed Daniel Caldiz, an experienced professional in potato cultivation. 

The consultant pointed out that there are currently 1,200 hectares planted with potatoes in the valleys of the Negro River; this includes the Buenos Aires town of Carmen de Patagones. “Today, in the Upper Valley, almost no potatoes are grown; production is centered in the Middle Valley, mainly in the area of ​​Choele-Choel and Luis Beltrán, and in the Lower Valley,” he explained. Sales are made both to the fresh market and to the industry. 

The yields are between 60 and 70 tons per hectare, similar to those obtained in the potato region par excellence of Argentina (southeast of Buenos Aires). However, the production of potatoes in Rio Negro is still very small, considering that at a national level between 60,000 and 70,000 hectares are cultivated per year. The potential of Rio Negro is very large: it is a sector that has the conditions to grow as much as the onion sector. 

Caldiz mentioned three favorable agroclimatic conditions for potatoes in the valleys of the Negro River. First, he said that loose soils contribute to the growth of this vegetable. However, its low organic matter content is a limitation, since it prevents good water retention and causes the absence of natural biological controllers against diseases. 

Potatoes and onions. The enormous potential of the Middle Valley of Río Negro.

“Many producers in Patagonia, in order to recover their investment, tried to start directly with potatoes, which is a mistake because that soil is not prepared for the crop to grow. The ideal is to start by growing cereals to improve the structure from the stubble left by these crops,” said the expert. 

Secondly, the thermal amplitude in the valley favours the accumulation of dry matter in the tubers. This is particularly desirable in the potato chip industry. “If the dry matter is too low, the potato tends to absorb more oil in the frying process and the final product does not look good,” he explained. 

“Potatoes are an intensive crop in themselves, but even more so in Patagonia. They need to be provided with all the fertilizer and water they need.”

Thirdly, Caldiz highlighted the high flow of the Negro River, whose waters are characterised by very low levels of salinity. In this regard, he stressed the importance of carrying out thorough irrigation work in the valleys, due to the scarcity of rainfall.

“If you make a mistake with irrigation or management, the crop will make you pay for it,” said Caldiz, and added: “Potatoes are an intensive crop in themselves, but in Patagonia it is even more so because you cannot make a mistake, you have to provide it with all the fertilizer and all the water it needs in a timely manner.” 

Finally, the specialist considered that public investments in infrastructure are necessary to boost the sector. In this regard, he emphasized the lack of access to electricity in many fields, where the use of diesel for electricity generation not only makes the process more expensive, but also causes logistical problems and a negative environmental impact.