Sellers, such as Susana Cujano, reflect concerns in Ecuador, citing low prices: "Prices are very low. You'll see how many hundredweights our women are leaving behind. Selling potatoes isn't a good deal right now." The abundant production across regions results in diverse offerings, yet "few people come to buy," according to vendors.
Carlos Ortiz highlights a reduction in sales by approximately 30%. He states, "We don't really know why people don't come to buy, potatoes are so cheap that we should have a lot of people buying, but there are almost none. This is a product that can't be stored and hidden for when the price goes up again, we have to sell it somehow, that's why today (Tuesday, June 24) I sent quintals of Semichola to the Coast at seven dollars because I had no more left."
Wholesalers report losses, emphasizing the necessity of moving products rapidly. Potato influx from regions like Salcedo in the north contributes to price suppression. Ortiz calls for urgent intervention as the industry faces difficulties affecting livelihoods.
Ecuador's potato cultivation spans approximately 25,000 hectares, with Carchi contributing 50% of the total output. Luis Montesdeoca of the Agropapa Association describes challenges for Tungurahua's producers. For instance, a 45-kilo quintal sells for under two dollars, leading to financial strain. Super Chola potatoes fetch around seven dollars, though wholesale values are nearer $14.
Montesdeoca notes that cultivation of one hectare costs $7,000-$8,000, with output at 600 quintals, rendering current pricing economically unviable. Consumer disinterest and external regional supply further impact local operations. Tungurahua's adaptation to the purple top pest allows undisturbed harvesting, yet concerns rise about mid-year downturns in demand linked to vacation periods.
He suggests introducing quotas for potato entries from other areas and proposes educational campaigns to promote potatoes' nutritional aspects. Quero, Píllaro, and Ambato lead Tungurahua's potato production.
Despite falling wholesale prices, retail costs and availability remain stable. Cristina Saltos notes, "They give me the same price for a bucket, two dollars. This Monday (June 23), there were fewer potatoes because it seems they can't sell more." Similarly, Nataly Ordóñez reports unchanged purchasing trends.
Consumers urge regulatory action to align market and wholesale pricing, addressing intermediary benefits as emphasized by Ordóñez.
Source: Argenpapa
