Bolivia: Producers receive certified Desirée seed potatoes

At least 1,055 farming families in the municipality of Uriondo, in the department of Tarija, benefited from the delivery of certified potato seeds of the Desirée variety, in an effort to increase crop yields and improve the economy of rural communities, reported the  Ministry of Rural Development and Lands .

The 2,110 quintals were provided by the Decentralized Public Institution Food Sovereignty (IPDSA), with an investment of Bs 789,140, and are intended to strengthen production in 32 communities in the municipality.

"With this investment, the projections are promising. A total of 263.75 hectares will be planted with potatoes for consumption, with an estimated production of 3,718.8 tons. This will increase the yield per hectare from 12.16 to 14.10 tons," explained Celso Apaza, director of IPDSA.

Uriondo is one of the most prominent agricultural municipalities in Tarija, where vegetables and tubers, especially potatoes, play a central role in the local economy, along with crops such as corn and wheat.

The distribution of certified seeds is part of a government strategy to ensure food security and support small and medium-sized producers in the context of current climate and economic challenges.

A few days ago, the Deputy Minister of Agricultural Development, Álvaro Mollinedo, reported that potato imports had decreased from 100,000 tons to an average of 20,000 tons in the 2024 fiscal year.

In his opinion, it is precisely thanks to efforts in technological innovation that increased production has been achieved, both in the valleys and the highlands. This way, the country aims to meet 100% of the national demand for potatoes, without having to purchase the product in foreign markets.