Peruvian govt: Potato per capita consumption to reach 100 kg

Over the next 5 to 10 years, per-capita consumption of potato is expected to reach 100 kg per year. The result would maintain the “upward trend” displayed throughout previous years, the director of the Agricultural Business Section at Peru’s Agriculture and Irrigation Ministry Mirna Zuzunaga said. She went on to add potato consumption increased from 76Kg in 2005 to 85Kg in 2014. Currently, potato harvest represents 3% of the agricultural GDP, and it has become a remarkable booster for local economies, especially those in High-Andean regions by leading to over 33 million daily wages each year. “Likewise, growing potatoes has directly enabled to create over 110,000 permanent jobs,” she added. There are currently 3,000 native potato varieties in Peru. Most of them are harvested at altitudes between 3,000 and 4,200 meters above sea level. (Source: Andina – Agencia Peruana de Noticias)