11 communities from our area of influence.
Recover and improve genetic diversity of native potatoes because potatoes are the largest crop in terms of production and consumption in communities located at 3,800 metres above sea.
Cotabambas province is considered a preservation centre of potato genetic resources because it is home to a large variety of native potatoes. However, adverse weather conditions have progressively reduced crop yields. During the 2008-2009 campaign, we prepared twelve hectares of native potato seed beds, and in the 2009-2010, eleven. At the same time, we organised technical training workshops in potato crops to help beneficiaries trade products in local and regional markets.
Through this program, we also organised and carried out the First Native Potato Provincial Festival, in coordination with producers, local authorities, the regional government, the Ministry of Agriculture and public and private institutions.
Other achievements include the availability of seeds for new types of native potatoes in eleven communities from five districts in Cotabambas province, trading of surplus native potatoes in local markets and transforming remaining potatoes into chuño (freeze-dried potato) and moraya (dried and processed potatoes).
