El Salvador: MAG boosts potato production to reduce imports and ensure stable prices

The  Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) of El Salvador is developing a plan to boost potato  cultivation   in different areas of the country, with the goal of  meeting local demand  and reducing dependence on imports.

In the department of  Morazán , producers from the districts of  Arambala and Perquín  participate in this strategy, cultivating potato plots that are part of trials of different varieties adapted to the territory.

New varieties and planting areas

The Vice Minister of Agriculture and Livestock,  Oscar Dominguez , highlighted that genetics are already available for planting potatoes at  high and medium altitudes , on land located at  500 meters above sea level .

In addition to Morazán, the MAG is promoting this crop in  Santa Ana, Sonsonate and Chalatenango , where the following varieties have been planted:

·        Russet

·        Bellini

·        Arizona

·        CalWhite  (adapted to medium height)

Phased production and price stability

According to the MAG, the  staggered  potato production aims to maintain a  domestic stock  that allows it to compete with imported products and ensure  price stability  for consumers.

The deputy minister noted that the price of the tuber has remained stable since  November 2024 , thanks to increased local production and market management of supply and demand.

Cultivated area nationwide

The MAG reported that, between potatoes and other strategic crops, there are currently  more than 1,300 manzanas cultivated  in  more than 100 areas of the country .