In recent weeks, potato prices have shifted from 30-40 cents to 50-60 cents per kilo, yet profitability remains elusive. The saturation of markets in Lima and other cities reflects a broader national trend. "The entire region is affected, there is nowhere to take so many potatoes. In Lima they no longer want them because the markets are full," states Salcedo.
Economic repercussions extend beyond mere price drops, leading to food waste and financial strain. "Last month we threw away and gave away potatoes because nobody wanted them. If they are not sold in two or three days, they go bad and have to be sold at auction for 20 or 30 cents," Salcedo notes. Weather conditions exacerbate the issue, with humidity and rain hastening spoilage, compelling traders to offload produce at any price.
The crisis affects a broader range of crops beyond potatoes. Dominga Pablo from the Puelles Collection Centre highlights dramatic price declines in vegetables like cabbage, squash, and rocoto. "A month ago, a sack of cabbage cost 60 soles, now it is 35. Red pepper has dropped from 3 soles per kilo to just 80 cents," she reports. High transport and fertilizer costs further strain producers, despite low market prices. "Fertilizer is expensive, but our products are cheap. It is not enough for the farmer," Pablo comments.
This issue is not confined to Huánuco; Ayacucho's producers face similar challenges, with prices failing to meet production costs. Farmers call for solutions such as crop diversification, improved planning, and strategies to balance supply and demand to alleviate the situation.
Source: ArgenPapa