National Potato Day
Clarifications:
1.- While developed nations have achieved enviable productivity, which Peru is striving for, our country can take pride in its colossal variety.
2.- The world's largest potato producer is China.
3.- Our country is the center of greatest biodiversity, with 100 species and 2,800 varieties out of the 3,900 that exist in the world.
4.- The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) declared 2008 as the International Year of the Potato, thanks to a Peruvian initiative.
5.- In Peru, we can plant potatoes at altitudes as high as 4,300 meters above sea level (masl).
6.- In 2005, David Spooner, a researcher from the United States Department of Agriculture, presented the results of a study on the origin of the potato. He maintains that it originates from southern Peru and bases his findings on DNA investigations of 261 wild and 98 cultivated potato varieties.
The scientist confirmed that its origin lies between the regions of Cusco and Puno. Regarding macroeconomic indicators, the figures show an average planted area of 260,000 hectares and a national production of 3,200,000 metric tons, with an average yield of 12.4 metric tons per hectare. The geographic scope covers 19 departments with 600,000 producers, providing 110,000 permanent jobs and 27,000,000 workdays. This represents a 13% contribution to the agricultural GDP. The Sierra (highlands) accounts for 95% of the planting and 90% of the production, while the Coast accounts for 5% of the planting and 10% of the production. The average volume of seeds used is 1,200 kilos per hectare.
Every May 30th, National Potato Day is celebrated under Supreme Resolution No. 009-2005-AG. This year, the potato's identity is being reinforced, showcasing it as a 100% Peruvian product that originated in our Andes and became a food source for the entire world.
The potato has high nutritional value, is easy to prepare, is very versatile for creating an infinite number of dishes, and has a delicious taste. Despite these characteristics, efforts are being made to restore its presence in our daily diet, as per capita consumption stabilized at 87 kilograms per person per year as of 2006, and the goal is to promote increased consumption.
It is important to emphasize that the FAO declared 2008 as the International Year of the Potato, thanks to a Peruvian initiative. The multi-sectoral celebration committee is chaired by the Ministry of Agriculture.